The U.S. Army has selected Boeing and Anduril to enter the next phase of a competition for a new midrange air-defense interceptor, the companies announced on September 9, 2026. The weapon is being developed to defend fixed and forward operating bases against cruise missiles, militarized drones, and other aerial threats.

The selection moves the program into Phase 2 of the Integrated Fires Protection Capability Increment 2 Second Interceptor effort. Boeing and Anduril will now carry out detailed design, development, integration, and demonstration work before facing a competitive test against Army requirements.

A new layer for base protection

The proposed interceptor is designed to fill a gap in the Army’s air-defense network. It would provide a midrange option between short-range systems used for point defense and longer-range weapons intended for protecting high-value targets.

Boeing is responsible for the seeker technology and compact airframe, while Anduril is developing the interceptor’s solid rocket motor. The weapon’s compact design is intended to allow military units to deploy more interceptors at each defended location.

The companies are also emphasizing affordability and production capacity. A larger number of available interceptors could help units respond to attacks involving large numbers of lower-cost aerial threats.

Modular design could speed upgrades

The interceptor will use a Modular Open Systems Architecture. This design lets crews replace or upgrade key components such as the seeker, avionics, and software without redesigning the entire weapon.

The approach could make it easier for the Army to adapt the system as aerial threats evolve. It is also intended to reduce the time and cost of introducing new capabilities.

“Our scalable production approach is designed to provide a reliable, affordable layer of defense against a range of aerial threats to protect the warfighter with practical, dependable capability when it matters most,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems.

Boeing said its manufacturing approach is intended to support scaled production as the program develops.

Anduril expands rocket motor production

Anduril plans to manufacture the interceptor’s solid rocket motor at its 450-acre Mississippi Solid Rocket Motor Complex. The company has invested more than $100 million of its own money in the facility.

The site has also received $58 million through Defense Production Act funding. Anduril said the combined investment will support several propulsion programs while increasing production capacity.

The facility features a bladeless high-speed mixer that Anduril describes as the only one of its kind worldwide. Its manufacturing line can run multiple stages in parallel and produce different motor configurations.

The company said the U.S. solid rocket motor industry has become concentrated among two suppliers after decades of consolidation. Its Mississippi facility is intended to add capacity and improve supply-chain resilience.

Partnership moves into full development

Boeing and Anduril began exploring technologies for the Army program in 2024 and announced their partnership in December. Their selection now moves the concept into detailed system development and competitive demonstration.

The effort comes as the U.S. military faces growing demand for interceptors that can counter large numbers of relatively inexpensive cruise missiles and drones. Anduril said China, Russia, and Iran have spent the past decade developing mass-producible aerial threats designed to put pressure on U.S. interceptor inventories.

“We welcome the opportunity to continue in this competition,” stated Jim Bryan, executive director of Boeing Integrated Air and Missile Defense. “By combining proven seeker expertise with a purpose-built interceptor, we are delivering thoughtful, effective advances in air and missile defense that meet mission needs.”

The Trump administration is putting $1.9 billion toward restarting a nuclear plant in Iowa as the U.S. works to keep up with rising electricity needs from artificial intelligence. On Tuesday, the Department of Energy said it had finalized a loan of up to $1.9 billion to help NextEra Energy bring the Duane Arnold Energy Center back online.

The 615-megawatt plant is set to restart in early 2029. It will be able to power almost 500,000 homes and support the expanding cloud and AI infrastructure in Iowa.

Federal cash backs nuclear comeback

Duane Arnold ran for over 45 years before closing in 2020. It was supposed to shut down later that year, but a derecho damaged the facility and forced it offline several months ahead of schedule.

NextEra now plans to bring the plant back online. The federal loan will help pay for the work needed to restore the facility and add its power back to the regional grid.

The Energy Department expects the project to boost electricity supplies and lower power costs. When it restarts, Duane Arnold will be Iowa’s only working nuclear power plant.

Deputy Energy Secretary James Danly said the financing “marks another step in advancing America’s nuclear renaissance.”

Google locks in nuclear power

Google is a key partner in the restart. In October 2025, Google and NextEra announced a deal where Google agreed to buy electricity from the plant through a multi-year contract.

This agreement gives NextEra a steady customer for the electricity the plant will produce. For Google, it means a reliable power source for its growing cloud and AI operations in Iowa.

“We expect Duane Arnold to be back online in early 2029, and the plant will provide more than 600 MW of clean, safe, “always-on” nuclear energy to the regional grid,” Google said in a blog post last year.

Google also pledged an additional $7 billion investment in Iowa over two years. The spending includes new and expanded infrastructure supporting its cloud and AI businesses.

AI pushes tech toward nuclear

The deal shows how tech companies are changing as AI increases electricity demand. Running advanced AI models needs big data centers, which use a lot of power.

Google is far from alone in seeking nuclear generation. A Microsoft-backed project to restart Pennsylvania’s Crane Clean Energy Center, formerly known as Three Mile Island Unit 1, received a $1 billion Energy Department loan in 2025.

Meta has also reached agreements supporting up to 6.6 gigawatts of new and existing nuclear capacity by 2035. Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Meta are all expanding data center infrastructure as AI workloads continue to grow.

Washington accelerates atomic power

The Duane Arnold financing also fits into the Trump administration’s broader nuclear strategy. President Donald Trump signed several executive orders in 2025 aimed at accelerating nuclear development in the U.S.

One order directed the Energy Department to halt most previous plans for diluting and disposing of surplus plutonium. It instead called for a program to process the material and make it available to private companies.

The Iowa project now adds another major nuclear investment to that push. If the restart stays on schedule, Duane Arnold will return 615 MW of generating capacity to the grid in 2029, giving Iowa a major new source of dependable electricity as demand from AI infrastructure continues climbing.

Researchers at the University of Toronto Engineering have developed six new metal alloys using an artificial intelligence-driven discovery platform that could improve the durability of parts used in jet engines, nuclear power plants, and other extreme environments. The findings show that the AI-assisted system identified promising alloys within just a few weeks, significantly speeding up the search for high-performance materials.

These new alloys also work well with 3D metal printing, enabling the production be complex parts that are hard or impossible to produce with traditional methods.

AI speeds up alloy discovery

Led by Yu Zou, Canada Research Chair in Materials and Manufacturing for Extreme Environments, the team worked with Jason Hattrick-Simpers to build a system that uses computer modeling, machine learning, and robots to help with manufacturing.

Their method, called active learning, acts like a self-driving laboratory. Rather than testing thousands of metal combinations by hand, the system picks the best options, makes them, tests how they perform, and uses those results to guide the next experiments.

“There’s enormous demand for materials that can stand up to huge swings of temperature and pressure, such as what you would find inside a jet engine or in the steam generators inside nuclear power plants, anywhere conventional steel just can’t survive,” said Yu Zou, who led the project.

“We also need materials that can be printed layer by layer, enabling us to make components that can’t be created by traditional manufacturing processes. For example, to make a material that is both lightweight and strong, you can vary the composition: a hard, tough alloy on the outside to something softer and lighter on the inside.”

The project was partly supported by the University of Toronto’s Acceleration Consortium, a group that uses AI and automation to accelerate the discovery of new materials.

Active learning cuts the need for massive datasets

Most AI systems need a large amount of experimental data to make accurate predictions. This becomes a problem when researchers look at materials that have not been tested yet.

“One problem you often run into when trying to use AI to design materials is that most machine learning models require lots of data about material properties to learn from,” revealed Ajay Talbot, a Ph.D. student in Zou’s lab and lead author of the study.

“But if you’re working in part of the design space that hasn’t been explored yet, that data doesn’t exist, so you’re kind of flying blind.”

“The way we get around that challenge is to use data-lean models that essentially feel their own way along. Our active learning model strategically selects a few samples to manufacture and test, and the data from those experiments is fed back into the model to inform where we go next. It really speeds things up.”

<a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYJV7WvtOM“>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFYJV7WvtOM</a>

New alloys outperform industry benchmark

To demonstrate the system, the researchers focused on compositionally complex alloys made from nickel, cobalt, and chromium. Within weeks, the automated platform identified six new alloy formulations with strong performance.

“One of the properties we were targeting was puncture resistance at temperatures of up to 1,112°F (600°C), which is what you’d find in the front section of a jet engine,” Talbot said.

“The industry standard in this space is nickel-based alloys such as Inconel 625. But we found one made of 12 percent nickel, 62 percent cobalt, and 26 percent chrome that was great for retaining hardness at extremely high temperatures. Even with just three components, our alloy outperformed Inconel 625, an alloy of more than 10 different elements, by 4.5 percent in our lab tests.”

The team also developed another alloy designed for hotter sections of jet engines, where temperatures can reach 1,832°F (1,000°C).

“One of the things that happens in an environment like that is the formation of oxide scale, which essentially means that your material is just getting burned away,” Talbot explained.

“We found a material made of 36 percent nickel, 14 percent cobalt, and 50 percent chrome that was extremely good for oxidation resistance at these high temperatures: It even outperforms Inconel 625 by 85 percent. We’re eventually aiming to ramp up to even higher temperatures, up to 2,192°F (1,200°C).”

Researchers plan to expand to more complex materials

The researchers say the current alloys represent an early demonstration of what the AI-driven discovery platform can achieve.

“This nickel-cobalt-chrome system has just three elements in it. In the grand scheme of things, it’s a relatively simple system,” he added.

“But it’s great for showing that this whole closed-loop discovery platform really works. What we want to do next is ramp up the complexity a bit more to make even crazier stuff, with maybe up to 10 or 12 different elements.”

“As you add more components, you can get different strengthening mechanisms, different kinds of useful properties. There’s a lot more out there just waiting to be discovered.”

The study was published in the journal npj Advanced Manufacturing.

The U.S. Air Force has carried out its first missile launch from a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), an important step in developing semi-autonomous drones that can fly with piloted fighter jets. In the test, announced on June 15, 2026, the Anduril-built YFQ-44A fired an AIM-120 medium-range air-to-air missile at a digital target over California’s Mojave Desert.

This demonstration marks another milestone in the Air Force’s ongoing testing of Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The drone managed most of the mission by itself, but a human operator gave the final approval to launch the missile, following U.S. policy that requires people to control lethal weapons.

Drone completes air-to-air engagement sequence

The test happened in restricted airspace over California’s Mojave Desert as part of the Air Force’s work to prove the YFQ-44A’s combat abilities.

During the test, the aircraft used Anduril’s Lattice software to find, track, and lock onto the target, then figure out how to intercept it. The onboard system handled these steps, and a human supervisor on the ground gave the final order to fire.

This test was different from earlier drone launches, where people on the ground controlled the flight. Here, the aircraft managed the mission steps on its own, except for the operator’s approval to release the weapon.

A key rule of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program is still in place: the aircraft cannot fire weapons by itself. Every launch must be approved by a human operator, who stays in control during the mission.

Test follows months of phased evaluations

This live-fire test followed earlier trials this year, in which the aircraft carried dummy weapons during flight. Those tests collected data on how the aircraft performed and how it managed the extra weight.

Engineers then verified communication links between the aircraft and its weapon system. They ensured that commands from the operator were sent and executed correctly during practice runs before moving on to live-fire tests.

“Moving from inert carriage earlier in the year to this weapon release demonstrates program maturity, allowing us to validate our digital integration models with actual data,” said General. Dale White, portfolio manager for Critical Major Weapon Systems. “These tests provide operational validation that Collaborative Combat Aircraft can execute the weapon employment sequence autonomously within pilot-defined parameters, accelerating capability delivery to the warfighter.”

Air Force says capability is moving closer to deployment

The missile launch was supported by the 412th Test Wing’s Air Dominance Combined Test Force. This team includes active-duty members, government workers, and contractors who make sure models and procedures are safe for live-fire tests.

“This live-fire test is an important next step in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach. “We’re one step closer to delivering capabilities to the warfighter.”

According to the Air Force, the CCA program’s goal is to have combat-ready, semi-autonomous aircraft that help U.S. airpower reach farther, see more, and survive better in tough situations. The Air Force is also accelerating development and testing, bringing these aircraft closer to deployment in real missions.

Chinese battery giant CATL has introduced what it says is the world’s first sodium-ion energy storage system proven in real-world conditions. It expects total shipments to reach 1 gigawatt-hour (GWh) by the end of 2026.

The company launched its new TENER Sodium Energy Storage System in Munich, Germany, on June 22, 2026, marking a significant step toward sodium-ion battery use in large-scale energy storage projects.

This launch comes at a time when utilities, renewable energy developers, and industrial customers are looking for new storage solutions to meet rising electricity demand and the fast growth of wind and solar power. CATL plans to start delivering to customers in China in September 2026, with global shipments beginning in June 2027.

Sodium emerges as a new option for grid storage

CATL believes sodium-ion batteries are a strong addition to lithium-based technologies in future energy systems. According to the company, sodium is over 1,000 times more common than lithium and is found all over the world, making it a promising choice for stationary storage.

“We believe that sodium and lithium together will form the twin foundations of the future energy storage system,” commented William Wu, Director of CATL’s Energy Storage Technology Center.

The battery maker has been researching and developing sodium-ion batteries since 2016. During this time, the company says it invested almost €1.2 billion ($1.14 billion) to build a full manufacturing process, including materials, cells, and system production.

To meet future demand, it has increased its production capacity. The company invested around CNY 5 billion ($737 million) in sodium-ion manufacturing lines at its Fuding facility, adding 40 GWh of annual production capacity. Another planned facility in Jining, Shandong, will support up to 160 GWh of sodium-ion battery production.

Designed to fit existing battery projects

A main feature of the system is that it works with existing lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage systems. The firm said the TENER Sodium system has the same size and shape as LFP systems, so developers can use their current platforms without changing enclosures, redesigning projects, or repeating certifications.

The system’s modular design provides over 30 megawatt-hours (MWh) of rated capacity. Each module weighs about 46 tons, and just 34 units are needed to create a 1-GWh energy storage site.

This compatibility can make it easier for developers to add sodium-ion technology without big changes to existing infrastructure. As battery storage projects grow worldwide, reducing engineering and permitting steps can help speed up project timelines.

Long service life across extreme temperatures

CATL said the TENER Sodium system is built for tough operating conditions. The company reports it can last up to 15,000 cycles at 77°F (25°C) while keeping 70 percent of its health. This means the system could last about 25 to 30 years.

The system is also made to work across a wide range of temperatures. The battery giant claims it can handle over 10,000 cycles at 113°F (45°C) and keep more than 92 percent of its capacity at -4°F (-20°C).

The company further stated that the battery system can reduce fire and explosion risks even in extreme conditions. This addresses a major concern in the industry as grid-scale storage projects expand around the world.

Shipment goals signal commercial readiness

At the Munich event, CATL stressed that the product is now past the demonstration stage. The company says the TENER Sodium system is ready for commercial use, with mature technology, manufacturing, and supply chain support.

The goal of shipping 1 GWh by the end of 2026 shows that sodium-ion batteries are moving into large-scale commercial use. The firm’s latest launch suggests sodium-ion batteries may soon become a meaningful part of that expanding market alongside established lithium-based systems.

Honeywell has announced that its modular refining technology and automation systems will be used in a major renewable fuels project by Acelen Renewables in Bahia, Brazil.

The project is a new development focused on producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel. Honeywell said its modular Ecofining process technology, along with specialized pumps, compressors, and integrated control and safety systems, will help Acelen Renewables make construction and operations at the site more efficient.

Industry forecasts show that demand for SAF could reach almost 500,000 barrels per day in the next ten years. As airlines and governments work to cut emissions, fuel producers are looking for ways to boost output while keeping costs and project schedules under control.

Modular approach aims to speed deployment

A main feature of Honeywell’s role is its modular delivery model. Rather than relying solely only traditional site-built infrastructure, modular units can be assembled and installed more efficiently, helping shorten construction time and lower project costs.

The company said this method lets renewable fuel facilities start production sooner than with traditional methods. Getting facilities up and running faster is becoming more important as aviation companies look for more low-emission fuel to meet future sustainability goals.

The Bahia project is expected to help grow Brazil’s renewable fuel industry. With its rich agricultural resources, the country is aiming to become a leader in producing next-generation biofuels.

“Brazil is set to produce the fuel of the future through a project that is sustainable—economically, socially, and environmentally,” said Marcelo Cordaro, COO of Acelen Renewables. “The Bahia facility project supports biodiversity and fosters an economy based on sustainability. Honeywell’s process technology and automation expertise will help maximize the production of lower-emission fuels at our facility, supporting the growing global demand for renewable fuels.”

Converting waste into aviation fuel

Honeywell UOP’s Ecofining technology, developed with Eni SpA, is central to the project. This process turns waste fats, oils, and greases into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

According to the company, the SAF produced can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent when mixed with regular jet fuel. The technology enables producers to use a wide range of waste-based feedstocks that might otherwise have little value.

Automation designed for efficient operations

In addition to fuel processing technology, Honeywell will supply integrated automation and safety systems for the facility. These systems bring together process controls and operational know-how to help manage plant performance and lower project risks.

The company’s technology is built into its Experion PKS platform, which supports monitoring, safety management, and operational decision-making. It said the platform also offers digital tools and data insights that can boost plant efficiency over time.

Biofuel facilities are increasingly using automation to improve production rates, maintain reliable operations, and support long-term success.

Growing focus on lower-cost renewable fuels

The company believes that new technology will be key to making renewable fuels more competitive worldwide. Lowering production costs is seen as essential for wider use in aviation and transportation.

“Honeywell’s low-carbon process technologies are enabling companies like Acelen to address the growing demand for renewable fuels by using a variety of feedstocks,” said Ken West, president and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology. “Technology and integrated automation play a pivotal role in reducing the cost of renewable fuels, which is essential for broad adoption. Advances in Honeywell’s technology have reduced the cost to produce SAF, and the use of novel, low-cost feedstocks will help further reduce production costs.”

It also noted that it has delivered over 1,500 modular process units worldwide using different technologies. 

After nearly five years of development, the team behind Earth’s Black Box has confirmed that the massive climate-recording structure will be set up in Tasmania by December 2026.

Launched by the Australian non-profit Rouser Lab in 2021, the project’s goal is to create a permanent archive of environmental data that will document humanity’s response to the climate crisis for future generations.

According to a report by The Guardian, key parts are already being assembled. The structure will be set up near a remote airfield in Tasmania, where it will run nonstop and collect data about the planet’s health.

Massive structure designed to survive disasters

Earth’s Black Box is often compared to the flight data recorders found in airplanes, but it is much bigger. The structure will be 52 feet (16 meters) long and 13 feet (4 meters) high, made from reinforced steel and concrete.

Rouser Lab says the structure is being built to handle extreme conditions. The project website states it is “designed to withstand every possible threat including cyclone, earthquake, fire, flood or attack.”

The aim is to build an archive strong enough to survive major disasters that could impact modern society. Tasmania’s remote location was chosen partly because the island is relatively stable both geologically and politically.

The facility will run on its own using a solar power system on the roof. Thirty-six solar panels, covered with toughened glass, will provide electricity for the storage systems inside.

Continuous stream of environmental records

The archive will collect and store large volumes of information from organizations worldwide. Sources will include space agencies, weather agencies, and universities that track environmental conditions and climate trends.

Information will be sent to the system via the internet and added to the project’s Vital Index. This database will hold measurements, datasets, and records that track the planet’s condition over time.

Project organizers describe the archive is a living record, not just a static collection. New information will be added all the time, building a timeline of environmental changes and how people respond.

“The purpose of the device is to provide an unbiased account of the events that lead to the demise of the planet, hold accountability for future generations, and inspire urgent action,” the Earth’s Black Box website states. “How the story ends is completely up to us.”

Five years of quiet development

Since the project was first announced, Rouser Lab has given only a few updates. Because of this long silence, some people wondered if Earth’s Black Box was mainly a symbolic effort to highlight climate issues.

Jonathan Kneebone, the group’s artistic director, recently said that a lot of work has been happening behind the scenes. He told The Guardian that the team had been “evolving the design, data storage systems, source materials, web platform—as well as developing funding models to sustain the project into the future.”

Rouser Lab calls itself an experimental environmental communications agency, not a scientific institution. Still, the group has kept working to get the project built and installed.

Questions remain about its long-term impact

The broader vision behind Earth’s Black Box is more than just saving data. Rouser Lab hopes that future civilizations will be able to look at the archive and learn from the environmental choices made today.

The organization is also working on another big idea called Climate S.O.S. This project would include a 164-foot-tall (50-meter-tall) techno-obelisk with a radio telescope meant to send a distress signal into space.

For now, Earth’s Black Box is meant to serve as what Rouser Lab describes as an “objective real-time archive for scientists, students, journalists and the public.”

It is still unclear if the installation will become a key research tool, since there are already many open climate databases around the world. Still, supporters think the large, visible structure could help bring public attention back to climate change and the long-term effects of today’s environmental choices.

The U.S. Navy has awarded defense technology startup Castelion its first production contract for the Blackbeard hypersonic missile. This $23.4 million deal includes 50 pre-production missiles and shows the Navy is ready to move the program past development and testing.

This contract comes as the Pentagon looks for faster, more affordable hypersonic weapons for long-range strikes. For Castelion, it is the first step toward making Blackbeard at a scale that could support future military missions.

Navy moves Blackbeard toward operational service

The contract helps further develop the Blackbeard weapon system and expands manufacturing at Castelion’s Project Ranger site in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

Blackbeard is designed to be a low-cost, easy-to-produce hypersonic missile capable of exceeding Mach 5, or over 3,800 mph (6,100 km/h). At these speeds, it can cover long distances quickly and is much harder to intercept than traditional weapons.

Most of the work for this contract will happen in Rio Rancho, with some activities in Torrance, California. Castelion expects to finish the work in 2027.

This new contract shows increasing confidence in the program as it moves from flight testing to limited production and future deployment.

“Blackbeard was designed from the beginning to support our nation’s conventional deterrence,” Castelion Co-Founder and CEO Bryon Hargis said in a press statement.

“This award reflects the Navy’s continued commitment to rapidly advancing affordable, manufacturable long-range strike capability and moving Blackbeard toward early operational use.”

Series of major contracts accelerates program

This production contract comes after several major government deals Castelion has won this year.

In February, the company received a contract worth almost $50 million to accelerate development and produce prototypes of the Blackbeard system. This funding was intended to support testing and prepare the program for future needs.

Two months later, in April, Castelion landed another big contract worth $107 million. This deal aims to integrate Blackbeard with the Navy’s F/A-18 fighter jets, giving the missile more ways to be used.

These back-to-back contracts show the program is gaining momentum as the Navy looks for new ways to use hypersonic weapons on different platforms.

Expanding launch options beyond aircraft

The company is also working on new ways to launch Blackbeard, which could make it more flexible in operations.

The company has teamed up with defense tech firm Saronic to put the missile on the Marauder unmanned surface vessel. They plan a demonstration in 2027, which could be the first time a hypersonic weapon is launched from an unmanned surface ship.

If the test works, it will show a new way to use hypersonic weapons from unmanned naval platforms, without needing a crew.

Project Ranger becomes production hub

To support its long-term manufacturing plans, the defense firm has put over $250 million into Project Ranger, its large production campus in New Mexico.

The facility covers about 1,000 acres (405 hectares) and is the main site for Castelion’s push to make hypersonic weapons more cheaply and in bigger numbers than traditional methods. The new Navy contract will help grow production at the site and support the delivery of the first 50 pre-production missiles.

A former coal mining site in central Illinois is now being used for renewable energy. Nexamp and TurningPoint Energy have finished two community solar projects in Woodford County, turning land that once produced coal into a solar power facility that provides electricity to local customers and businesses.

The site near Minonk was once part of the Colchester Coal Seam mining region, active from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. Now, it has almost 17,000 solar panels that can generate 9.8 megawatts of electricity, enough for hundreds of subscribers and to add clean power to the local grid.

These projects are the first time Nexamp and TurningPoint Energy have worked together in Illinois. They are also the first Illinois Shines community solar projects in Woodford County.

Reclaimed mining land finds a new purpose

The solar panels were installed on a former coal mine that is considered a brownfield under Illinois Shines, the state’s solar incentive program. This certification encourages developers to use land that has already been disturbed, rather than farmland or untouched areas.

TurningPoint Energy handled project development, while Nexamp was responsible for construction and now owns and operates the facilities.

The solar farms together cover about 40 acres and send electricity straight into Commonwealth Edison’s network. Nexamp says all the solar panels were made in the United States, which supports local clean energy supply chains and brings new economic value to land that used to be tied to fossil fuels.

Advanced software helps manage solar generation

The Minonk projects also bring new grid management technology to the area. They are among the first projects on ComEd’s system to use Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS).

This software enables utilities to monitor and manage energy resources, such as solar panels, in real time. As more renewable energy connects to the grid, it becomes harder for utilities to balance supply and demand. DERMS helps by providing better control and visibility into how energy flows.

Using this technology, the projects show that renewable energy can help keep the grid reliable and help utilities prepare for more clean energy in the future.

Hundreds of households already enrolled

Many people in the community have signed up. The projects are almost full, with over 650 customers already enrolled.

One of the solar farms provides power to about 450 homes. The other serves around 200 low-income households, making community solar more accessible and helping these families save on electricity costs.

Community solar is different from rooftop solar because customers can join a shared project and get credits on their utility bills without having to install anything at home. This makes solar power available to renters, apartment dwellers, and homeowners whose roofs are not suitable for solar panels.

Major institutions strengthen project economics

Big organizations are also helping make the projects successful. Rush University Medical Center and the College of DuPage have joined as customers and together use about 40 percent of the projects’ electricity.

Their involvement creates steady demand, supporting the community solar model and helping bring renewable energy to more people.

“This is exactly the kind of project we aspire to deliver with our partners and our customers,” said Nexamp CEO Zaid Ashai. “By turning a former coal mine into a pair of community solar farms, we are helping hundreds of subscribers reduce their energy costs today while strengthening their energy security for the long term.”

“By pairing that affordability with US-manufactured equipment and advanced grid tools like DERMS, these Minonk projects not only put clean power within reach for households and institutions; they also show how community solar can make the grid smarter, more resilient, and better prepared for Illinois’ clean energy future.”

Milrem Robotics has introduced a new plan that could change how NATO defends its eastern border. Before Eurosatory 2026 in Paris, the Estonian company shared its plan to establish robotic defense zones from Finland to Poland, using autonomous systems as the first line of defense.

The plan focuses on countering drones and improving border security. Instead of relying on large numbers of reserve troops, the firm suggests using unmanned systems to spot, track, and engage threats before they reach soldiers. The company says this could boost readiness on NATO’s eastern side, cut costs, and keep troops safer.

“The reality from Ukraine is clear: mass and readiness still matter, but how you generate them must change,” Milrem CEO Kuldar Väärsi said.

“Robotizing the Eastern Flank allows NATO to create a persistent defensive layer where unmanned systems make first contact, absorb losses, and buy time for decision-making — without immediately putting soldiers at risk.”

Robotic shield along NATO’s border

The concept is to set up Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) zones along NATO’s eastern border, which is approximately 2,150 miles (3,500 kilometers). These zones would act as permanent defenses, ready to react quickly to any threats.

Milrem’s vision does not rely on one large group of robots. Instead, many unmanned systems would be spread out in secure spots and could be activated quickly when needed. The company believes this would help them survive longer and maintain strong defenses at all times.

According to the firm, these robotic zones would give NATO more time to react and plan before threats reach the front lines. The company also believes this setup could mean fewer reserve troops need to be called up during border incidents.

Networked sensors and autonomous vehicles

The plan brings together different unmanned systems. Ground robots, aerial drones, and current intelligence and surveillance tools would all work together through a shared communications network.

The ARCOS command-and-control platform is at the heart of the system. This software coordinates the autonomous units and links them to the larger battlefield management systems used by NATO.

Milrem’s plan also features some of its current robotic vehicles, like the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle and the HAVOC robotic combat vehicle. These would handle tougher combat jobs, letting autonomous systems deal with threats in dangerous situations before soldiers are sent in.

Autonomous systems meet the enemy first

In the firm’s proposed battlefield model, robotic units would be the first to face an attacking enemy. They would provide direct-fire support and counter-drone operations, forming the first line of defense.

The company said this first layer would slow down attackers and give commanders more time to assess the situation. Traditional long-range weapons would still be used for deep strikes, while autonomous units handle risky frontline battles.

This setup aims to keep troops safer at the start of a conflict and help maintain their fighting strength for later operations.

Lessons from modern warfare

The plan is based on lessons from the war in Ukraine, where drones and autonomous tech have become key parts of fighting. Military planners in Europe are now looking more at how unmanned systems can support regular troops and boost readiness.

Milrem argues that robotic platforms can take losses that would otherwise affect soldiers. The company also thinks autonomous systems could help NATO stay better defended without needing a lot more troops.

The full concept is expected to be presented during Eurosatory 2026, where defense officials and industry leaders will review new technologies designed to make Europe safer in a more complex threat environment.

💾

U.S. military shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has delivered the first REMUS 130 unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), a major milestone for one of the world’s most widely used autonomous underwater systems.

The delivery, announced Tuesday, brings the newest generation of the REMUS platform—a family of underwater drones that has supported naval, scientific, and commercial missions worldwide for over 25 years. Built by HII, this vehicle improves on the REMUS 100 series with better electronics, modular payloads, and an open-architecture design.

A new chapter for the REMUS fleet

The REMUS 130 is the third generation of the successful REMUS 100 platform. It keeps the main features that made earlier models popular, such as being easy to use, reliable, and effective for missions.

According to HII, the system is designed for more interoperability and flexibility, while still working with other REMUS models. It also shares its technology base with the larger REMUS 300 and REMUS 620 systems.

“The delivery of the first REMUS 130 represents an important step in the continued evolution of the REMUS family,” stated Duane Fotheringham, president of the Unmanned Systems group in HII’s Mission Technologies division.

“For decades, customers have relied on REMUS vehicles for their durability, ease of operation and proven performance. REMUS 130 builds on that legacy with a highly capable, modular platform that delivers greater flexibility, interoperability and value while leveraging common architecture across the REMUS fleet.”

Compact design built for rapid deployment

A main feature of the REMUS 130 is its portability. The company said a two-person team can transport and deploy the vehicle, allowing operators to quickly start missions without requiring large support equipment.

The UUV can operate to depths of up to 328 feet (100 meters) and remain underwater for up to 10 hours during a mission. Its batteries can be swapped in the field to cut downtime and keep missions on schedule.

The compact design targets organizations that need an underwater vehicle they can deploy quickly, while still supporting many types of sensors and mission packages. This could appeal to military, scientific, and commercial users working in remote areas.

Powered by advanced autonomous technology

The REMUS 130 uses HII’s Odyssey Autonomous Control System (ACS), a software setup already used on REMUS platforms in over 30 countries.

The system integrates navigation, communications, processing, and autonomous decision-making into a single framework. Its open design lets operators add commercial, government, or custom payloads without major redesign.

The firm pointed out that Odyssey ACS supports advanced features such as collaborative autonomy, sensor fusion, and enhanced environmental awareness. The system is also built to lower long-term costs and help the vehicle adapt to new mission needs over time.

Expanding roles beneath the surface

The REMUS 130 is designed for many types of underwater work. It can be used for ocean research, environmental monitoring, mapping the seabed, inspecting offshore energy sites, search-and-rescue, and mine countermeasures.

With the REMUS 130, HII’s autonomous maritime lineup now includes over 750 REMUS vehicles delivered worldwide. The company said 14 NATO navies use REMUS systems, which have built a strong reputation in defense, science, and commercial fields.

Sweden’s Videberg Kraft selected Rolls-Royce SMR to supply three small modular reactors (SMRs) for a planned nuclear power station on the Värö Peninsula near the existing Ringhals nuclear plant. The decision, announced by state-owned energy company Vattenfall, marks a key milestone in what is set to become Sweden’s first new nuclear power project in more than four decades.

The new plant is expected to add about 1.5 gigawatts of electricity to Sweden’s grid, with the first reactor planned to start running in the mid-2030s. By choosing Rolls-Royce SMR, Sweden becomes the third European country to select this technology, after the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic.

Three-year review narrows field to final two contenders

Videberg Kraft, owned by Vattenfall and Industrikraft, made its decision after three years of reviewing 75 possible reactor options. In the end, the decision came down to two technologies: the pressurized water reactor from Rolls-Royce SMR and the BWRX-300 reactor from GE Vernova Hitachi.

The new plant, called the Videberg Project, will be built next to the Ringhals nuclear power station, one of Sweden’s main electricity sources. When finished, the reactors should help secure Sweden’s energy supply and meet rising demand for electricity.

Desirée Comstedt, acting CEO of Videberg Kraft, pointed out the strong network of companies working with the British reactor developer.

“Rolls-Royce SMR offers a robust network of subcontractors, the majority of which are located in our geographical vicinity. By choosing to move forward with Rolls-Royce SMR, Videberg Kraft and its owner companies also become part of a European program, where we can benefit from shared experience.”

Familiar reactor technology seen as key advantage

Company leaders said that the proven track record of the chosen reactor technology was a key reason for their decision.

Anna Borg, Board member of Videberg Kraft and CEO of Vattenfall, said:

“Overall, the board’s assessment is that Rolls-Royce SMR is the supplier that can give Videberg Kraft the best prerequisites for delivering a successful project. The reactor, a pressurized water reactor (PWR), is the same type used at Ringhals today and is a well-proven technology. Moreover, Rolls-Royce SMR has a commercially attractive contractual set-up.”

Tom Erixon, a board member of Videberg Kraft and Industrikraft, also stressed the project’s focus on industrial methods.

“Rolls-Royce SMR offers an efficient and industrialized concept that reduces the risk of delays. Videberg Kraft, together with Rolls-Royce SMR, is now paving the way for a new nuclear power on the Värö peninsula – something that would not have been possible without a historically unique collaboration between Swedish industry and the energy sector.”

Rolls-Royce expands European nuclear footprint

The Swedish decision gives Rolls-Royce SMR even more momentum as it expands in Europe.

Chris Cholerton, CEO of Rolls-Royce SMR, said, “We are delighted to have been selected by Videberg Kraft as its partner to bring new nuclear power to Sweden. This is a strong endorsement of our transformational approach to the delivery of a standardized fleet of SMRs … [and] further demonstrates growing market confidence in our technology.”

The company’s reactor design can generate 470 megawatts of electricity and is built to provide steady power for at least 60 years. Much of the plant will be made in factories and then brought to the site for assembly. This method aims to reduce construction risks and accelerate the project. Nuclear energy is seeing a revival across Sweden.

This news comes as Sweden is working to speed up the development of its nuclear power. In 2022, the new center-right government became more supportive of nuclear energy. The next year, a roadmap was released calling for new nuclear capacity equal to at least two large reactors by 2035 and up to ten by 2045.

Government support programs introduced in August 2025 have already drawn interest from several developers. Videberg Kraft was the first to apply for state aid in December. More recently, Blykalla, a Swedish reactor developer, asked for funding for a six-reactor project in Norrsundet, and Studsvik submitted plans for up to 1,400 megawatts of new nuclear capacity in southern Sweden.

France is moving forward with its next-generation nuclear cruise missile, taking a big step in modernizing its airborne nuclear deterrent. The country’s defense procurement agency recently announced it had given MBDA a contract to develop the ASN4G hypersonic missile. This new weapon is expected to enter service around 2035 and will replace the current ASMPA-R missile.

This announcement comes after the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) formally notified the framework agreement and development contract on June 2. The program is now moving from years of research and concept studies to full-scale development.

France advances next-generation nuclear missile

The Air-Sol Nucléaire de 4ème Génération, or ASN4G, will be the next airborne nuclear strike weapon for the French armed forces. MBDA, a European missile manufacturer, is developing the missile as a key part of France’s long-term defense modernization plans in the 2024-2030 military programming law.

MBDA is owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. The company has worked for years with France’s national aerospace research center, ONERA, to study possible designs for the new weapon.

The ASN4G is meant to replace the ASMPA-R, the latest version of France’s nuclear-capable air-launched cruise missile. Although the ASMPA-R is still in use, defense planners have been preparing for its replacement as air defense systems worldwide improve.

According to the DGA, the new missile’s high speed will help keep France’s airborne nuclear deterrent effective and credible as threats become more advanced. The agency called the program a major technological leap that depends on specialized industrial skills found in only a few countries.

[#Programme ] La DGA commande le développement du missile hypersonique ASN4G à MBDA

La DGA a notifié, le 2 juin 2026 à @MBDAGroup, l’accord cadre de réalisation et le marché de développement du missile Air-Sol nucléaire de quatrième génération #ASN4G pic.twitter.com/4kRTzdNOh1

— Direction générale de l'armement (@DGA) June 12, 2026

Hypersonic approach selected after years of studies

French researchers evaluated two competing concepts before selecting the final direction for the ASN4G program. One idea was a stealthy ramjet-powered missile designed to be less detectable by radar. The other focused on hypersonic speed and advanced maneuverability. After many studies, the hypersonic option was chosen.

MBDA previously explained that extreme speed combined with the ability to maneuver in flight gives important advantages. These features can shorten warning times, make radar tracking more difficult, and make it harder for enemy air defenses to intercept the missile.

While the official details are still classified, defense experts think the ASN4G will use scramjet propulsion. It is also expected to fly much faster than the ASMPA-R, which can reach about Mach 3 and has a range of around 311 miles (500 kilometers).

The DGA also shared a new image related to the Thémis technology demonstrator. The picture showed a winged vehicle rising into the air with the help of two booster rockets. However, officials did not say when or where the test took place, and details about the Thémis program remain limited.

Conformément à la loi de programmation militaire, la DGA travaille à la modernisation de la composante nucléaire aéroportée

Le missile ASN4G remplacera le missile ASMPA rénové actuellement en service

— Direction générale de l'armement (@DGA) June 12, 2026

Rafale F5 to carry the new hypersonic weapon

The ASN4G is being developed together with the future Rafale F5 fighter, which is expected to enter service around 2030.

France chose to fund the Rafale F5 program on its own after talks about sharing costs with the United Arab Emirates ended in December 2025.

When it becomes operational, the missile will be used by both branches of France’s airborne nuclear force. These are the Forces Aériennes Stratégiques (FAS), which is the nuclear part of the French Air and Space Force, and the Force Aéronavale Nucléaire (FANu), which flies Rafale M fighters from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.

Nuclear deterrence gains greater strategic role

The ASN4G contract comes as France is placing greater emphasis on the airborne component of its nuclear deterrent strategy.

On March 2, 2026, President Emmanuel Macron announced a new deterrence plan that could see nuclear-capable Rafale aircraft deployed to allied bases across Europe. This idea shows France’s growing concern about regional security and the need for a more flexible deterrence approach.

France is also growing its nuclear aviation force. The FAS plans to double its number of nuclear-capable squadrons by 2035, aided by the return of a nuclear mission at Luxeuil Air Base.

A new mobile space surveillance radar is now active as military planners focus more on tracking potential threats in orbit, including satellites used for nuclear command, control, and intelligence. LeoLabs, a space monitoring company, announced that its latest radar, Scout Hawaii, began operating and will take part in the Valiant Shield 2026 exercise in the Pacific.

This is the first time the company’s Scout-S radar has been used in the field. It is designed to better track objects in low Earth orbit (LEO) and very low Earth orbit (VLEO).

Radar heads to major Pacific military exercise

Valiant Shield is a major joint military exercise held every two years by the United States in the Indo-Pacific. Since 2024, regional allies have also taken part.

This year’s exercise will take place from June 22 to July 1 in Hawaii, Guam, Japan, and nearby waters.

LeoLabs has not shared details about the contract for the radar’s participation. The company said the Scout-S program is funded by private investment and support from the US Space Force, including a Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) award announced in 2025.

The company views the exercise as an opportunity to test the radar in real-world conditions and demonstrate how it can support military space awareness missions.

A new class of radar is here.

Scout-S delivers persistent custody, dynamic tracking, and deployable sensing for LEO and VLEO — extending coverage where mission demand is greatest.

It's more than a radar. It’s a new approach to space sensing.

Deploy Where the Mission Demands. pic.twitter.com/If1pt0N2E9

— LeoLabs (@LeoLabs_Space) June 10, 2026

Built for rapid deployment anywhere

One of the key features of the Scout-S system is its mobility. The radar fits in a standard 20-foot shipping container, so it can be moved by truck, plane, or ship.

The system uses 3D scanning, direct-radiating-array technology, and a modular S-band electronic system. LeoLabs said these features help the radar find and track objects in busy orbital areas.

A company spokesperson said the improved design greatly increases how long the radar can observe a satellite as it passes by.

From snapshots to continuous tracking

Traditional tracking systems usually watch satellites for only short periods before waiting for the next pass. LeoLabs said Scout-S is built to provide much longer observation periods, helping operators track objects in orbit more continuously.

The company thinks this feature is more important now that military and commercial satellites can maneuver more often.

“The acceleration of adversarial activity in space is challenging U.S. and Allied Space Superiority. Tracking objects periodically to predict orbits is no longer enough. What matters now is the ability to maintain persistent custody of maneuverable payloads so our customers can respond to emerging threats,” said LeoLabs CEO Tony Frazier in the release.

The design also allows multiple units to be deployed quickly, helping to cover surveillance gaps that fixed radar sites cannot easily reach.

Tracking Chinese satellites and future expansion

Scout Hawaii is already sending data to LeoLabs’ global monitoring network. The company said the radar has consistently tracked Chinese intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites, including the Yaogan military spacecraft.

According to the firm, the system has tracked China’s reusable spaceplane in low Earth orbit. The radar has also shown it can monitor objects flying at very low altitudes. The company reported successfully tracking an object orbiting at 143 miles (230 kilometers) above Earth.

The firm plans to keep the Hawaii-based radar running after Valiant Shield ends, using it for more experiments and testing new features. The company also said a second Scout-S unit should be built by early 2027, with more production expected later that year.

A possible agreement to end the war between the United States and Iran was announced late Sunday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The deal includes stopping military actions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and eventually lifting U.S. restrictions on Iranian ports. Still, Iran’s nuclear program, a key issue, has not been settled and will be discussed in future talks.

The agreement is expected to be officially signed in Switzerland on Friday. News of the deal quickly affected global markets, sending oil prices down and Asian stock markets higher.

Ceasefire framework signals end to active fighting

The U.S. president announced the agreement on his Truth Social platform at about 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, saying, “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.” His statement came after Sharif spoke, as Pakistan has helped mediate the talks.

Although all the details have not yet been shared, Sharif said the agreement includes “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council later confirmed that military operations would stop for good starting Monday night. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said negotiators will use a 60-day ceasefire to work toward a broader agreement that could include easing sanctions and other long-term measures.

This announcement follows months of fighting that have killed thousands, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. After U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, Tehran struck Israel and Gulf countries with U.S. bases. Iran also blocked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. responded by restricting Iranian ports.

A major result of the agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key route for global oil and gas shipments. Trump said the waterway will reopen on Friday and that he has ordered the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports to end.

“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Trump wrote.

Nuclear dispute remains the biggest challenge

Even with this diplomatic progress, negotiators have delayed decisions about Iran’s nuclear activities.

According to Iranian officials, discussions during the ceasefire period will focus on sanctions relief and the future of Tehran’s nuclear program. Sources indicate that the issue remains among the most difficult issues facing both sides.

The dispute goes back years. During Trump’s first term, the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under President Obama. After that, Iran increased its uranium enrichment and built up more than 400 kilograms (about 900 pounds) of uranium close to weapons-grade.

Former Biden administration State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the framework, saying: “We have no assurances the nuclear program will ever be addressed, but Iran has shown the world it can take the global economy hostage and get something from the U.S. in return.”

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham welcomed the ceasefire but stressed that future nuclear talks will be watched closely. “Under our law, any nuclear deal with Iran will be sent to Congress for review and a vote,” he said. “Congratulations to all on getting us to this point.”

As negotiators prepare for formal talks in Switzerland, the focus is now on whether the ceasefire will last and if both sides can agree on Iran’s nuclear future.

Saronic and Castelion, two defense technology companies, have announced plans to combine an autonomous warship with a hypersonic strike weapon. They said this is the first attempt to put a hypersonic vehicle on an unmanned surface vessel.

Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic system will be launched from Saronic’s Marauder medium unmanned surface vessel, with a demonstration at sea planned for 2027.

By combining an unmanned vessel with a hypersonic strike system, the companies hope to give commanders more choices for future naval missions.

Autonomous vessel meets hypersonic firepower

According to the agreement, Saronic’s Marauder unmanned vessel will launch Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic vehicle. The companies said this is an important step toward creating strike systems that work without crews on board.

“Launching a Castelion hypersonic from a Marauder MUSV significantly changes the approach for any adversary calculating where and how the U.S. can strike,” Dino Mavrookas, co-founder and CEO of Saronic, said in a statement. “Deterrence is ultimately a function of capability, capacity, and credibility. Saronic and Castelion are working to increase all three by combining autonomous maritime and hypersonic strike capabilities that are more scalable, more affordable, and faster to field.”

The idea is to equip autonomous ships with advanced weapons that can operate across large areas of the ocean. These ships could offer more launch points for weapons and help keep people out of danger.

Castelion is also increasing production of the Blackbeard system and plans to make several thousand missiles each year. Last October, the company said Blackbeard had won several awards to help it work with both Army and Navy platforms.

Blackbeard production ramps up

By producing more Blackbeard missiles, Castelion hopes to deploy the weapon across more branches of the military. The company says using Blackbeard with Marauder could make operations more flexible and easier to deploy.

“Blackbeard and Marauder will give our warfighters more shots, from more places, with fewer constraints,” Bryon Hargis, co-founder and CEO of Castelion, said in a statement.

This partnership comes as defense leaders look for ways to use more precision strike systems without raising costs. Autonomous ships capable of carrying advanced weapons are becoming an important part of this plan.

Marauder advances toward operational testing

The announcement arrives during a busy period for Saronic. The company is currently expanding a shipyard in Louisiana, a project expected to be completed by the end of this year. Once finished, the facility will have the capacity to produce up to 20 Marauder vessels annually.

Late in May, Saronic revealed that the 180-foot-long Marauder had entered on-water trials. The vessel is designed to carry payloads weighing up to 150 metric tons, giving it the capacity to support a range of military missions.

The U.S. Navy is also evaluating the platform. Last month, the service confirmed that Saronic was among seven companies selected for its MUSV marketplace initiative. Participants will conduct at-sea testing this summer, and those who successfully complete the evaluation phase by October will receive $15 million and become eligible for future production contracts.

Growing role for unmanned naval systems

Beyond Marauder, Saronic has developed several autonomous surface vessels, including the Corsair. According to the company, the vessel can transport payloads of up to 1,000 pounds over distances exceeding 1,000 nautical miles.

The Navy’s Task Force 59, which focuses on unmanned maritime operations in Bahrain, began fielding Corsair vessels in March. The platform recently played a role in a real-world rescue mission.

On Monday, U.S. Central Command said Navy units, including Task Force 59, assisted in rescuing two crew members from a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter that went down near the coast of Oman.

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in North America, Hyundai Motor Company has launched its biggest mobility and robotics operation for a global sporting event. The company has sent over 1,500 vehicles and advanced robots to support logistics, security, and facility management in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This project is a big step forward in Hyundai’s partnership with FIFA and shows how robotics and autonomous technology are becoming more common at large public events. Four custom Spot robot dogs from Boston Dynamics, which is owned by Hyundai Motor Group, are leading the effort.

Spot robot dogs head to World Cup venues

The main technology on show is four Spot robot dogs working at two key tournament locations. Hyundai confirmed the robots will be at the International Broadcast Center in Dallas and at stadiums in New York and New Jersey.

These robot dogs can navigate busy, complex spaces independently while performing different tasks. According to Hyundai, Spot will patrol, carry out real-time inspections, and help monitor areas where large crowds are expected during the tournament.

This is the first time Spot robot dogs are being used at a FIFA World Cup, making it an important milestone for Hyundai as FIFA’s Official Robotics Partner.

The company views the tournament as an opportunity to demonstrate how robots can help venue staff and security teams manage large crowds and complex event setups.

Wherever the game goes.

Hyundai is ready for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with its most advanced mobility fleet ever. From mobility solutions to SPOT, our four-legged security patrol, we're ready for kick-off.@FIFAWorldCup @BostonDynamics #Hyundai #NextStartsNow #Robotics pic.twitter.com/dUK6dZrFUq

— Hyundai Worldwide (@Hyundai_Global) June 5, 2026

Testing robotics beyond factory floors

Industrial robots have long been used in factories, where conditions are highly controlled. But event venues are much more unpredictable and challenging.

World Cup stadiums and broadcast centers will welcome thousands of visitors, staff, and media. These busy places are always changing, so robots need to move around people, obstacles, and ongoing events.

The tournament is a real-world test for autonomous technology in places where safety, reliability, and constant monitoring matter most. Experts see this as a key step in bringing robots into new roles beyond factories.

This move is part of a larger trend, as more tech companies look for practical ways to use autonomous systems in public places.

Fleet of more than 1,500 vehicles

In addition to its robotics program, the company is managing a large transportation effort to support logistics across all 16 host cities.

It is providing a fleet of 994 passenger vehicles and 506 buses. These vehicles transport teams, tournament officials, media representatives, and operational staff throughout the competition.

The fleet features a variety of Hyundai and Genesis models, so organizers can choose vehicles that meet their specific needs.

Selected vehicles are also available in hybrid versions as part of Hyundai’s broader push toward electrified mobility technologies.

Supporting the largest World Cup ever

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to be the biggest edition of the tournament in history, creating unprecedented transportation and operational demands across three countries.

Managing movement between venues, training facilities, hotels, and media centers will require extensive coordination. Hyundai’s combined deployment of vehicles and robotics is intended to help address those challenges while showcasing technologies that could play larger roles in future global events.

A recently released photograph offers a clear view of the construction of the future USS District of Columbia (SSBN-826), the first of the U.S. Navy’s new Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. Shared online by Ashley Cowen, Lead Photographer at Newport News Shipbuilding, the image shows major parts of the submarine as work continues toward its planned delivery in 2029.

The photo shows both the bow and the stern sections under construction. These are key parts of the submarine and show that work on the Navy’s top-priority strategic deterrence program is making steady progress.

Key submarine sections take shape

The new image shows clear progress on the bow and stern sections of the submarine. The stern will later house the propulsion system and the unique X-shaped control surfaces, designed to help the submarine move and perform better underwater.

The sections seem to be inside General Dynamics Electric Boat’s South Yard Assembly Building or another large facility at the main shipyard in Groton, Connecticut.

The image arrives months after the arrival of the massive “Atlas” dry dock, which reached the shipyard in January 2026. This dry dock was built to support the construction, maintenance, and future servicing of Columbia-class submarines.

Ongoing deliveries of major submarine parts, hull sections, and support equipment indicate the program is on schedule as builders work to complete the first submarine in the class.

Designed to replace the Ohio-class fleet

The Columbia-class submarines are being built to replace the older Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines, which started service in the early 1980s. As the Ohio-class submarines retire through the early 2040s, the Columbia-class will take over the sea-based part of America’s nuclear deterrent.

Design work for the USS District of Columbia started in 2007, after the U.S. Navy partnered with General Dynamics Electric Boat to create a new class to follow the Ohio-class fleet.

The Navy describes the Columbia-class as being designed to survive better, be available for operations more often, and last longer than the previous class. These submarines are expected to stay in service until at least the 2080s.

This program is seen as one of the most important defense upgrades happening in the United States, since ballistic missile submarines are the most secure part of the country’s nuclear defense system.

Advanced technologies and larger design

The Columbia-class brings several big improvements over the Ohio-class submarines. These include quieter engines, better sonar, upgraded sensors, and new electronic controls for steering the submarine.

These submarines will also be larger than the Ohio-class submarines. When finished, each Columbia-class submarine will weigh more than 20,000 tons.

Even though the new submarines are larger, they will carry fewer missiles—16 UGM-133 Trident II D5 Life Extension submarine-launched ballistic missiles instead of the 24 Trident missiles on the Ohio-class. This change aligns with new strategic needs while maintaining a strong nuclear deterrent.

Each submarine will have four missile compartments, each holding four ballistic missiles.

Massive industrial effort supports construction

The Columbia-class submarines are built using a modular approach. Different contractors build large sections separately, and then these parts are put together at Electric Boat’s Groton facility.

Work is currently underway at Quonset Point, Rhode Island, with help from over 3,000 suppliers across the country. Newport News Shipbuilding makes the main bow and stern parts before they are sent to be added to the final hull.

The Navy plans to build a total of 12 Columbia-class submarines. Boats four through eight will be procured at a rate of one submarine per year over the next five years, with the program costing about $62 billion.

According to current plans, the USS District of Columbia will enter service in 2029, and the last submarine in the class should join the fleet around 2041 or 2042. Together, these submarines are expected to provide America’s sea-based nuclear deterrent for many years.

China has completed its largest offshore project, which combines solar power, hydrogen production, and energy storage. This marks a big step in the country’s efforts to create more reliable renewable energy systems. The project, off the coast of Rudong in East China’s Jiangsu Province, was reported as completed on Wednesday, according to China Media Group.

Funded by CHN Energy Guohua Energy Investment Co., the facility is described as China’s largest offshore solar demonstration project that combines solar power, hydrogen production, and energy storage.

Massive offshore facility combines multiple energy technologies

The Rudong project features 400,000 kilowatts (400 MW) of solar capacity and a new 220-kilovolt onshore booster station. It also includes a hydrogen production station capable of producing 1,500 standard cubic meters of hydrogen per hour, along with an electrochemical energy storage station.

According to Chinese media reports, this is the first project in China to combine power generation, hydrogen production, energy storage, full energy use, and coastal ecological management in one development.

The facility has been designed around what officials describe as an integrated “electricity-storage-hydrogen” model. Solar power made offshore can go to the grid, be stored in batteries, or be used to make hydrogen from water. This setup lets energy be used in different ways based on demand and conditions.

The project is built on coastal tidal flats, which are often considered suitable sites for large renewable energy projects. It also uses advanced solar technology and smart control systems to improve energy conversion and management.

China's largest integrated PV-hydrogen-storage project has completed construction in east China's Jiangsu Province. The project, with a total photovoltaic capacity of 400,000 kW, includes a newly built 220 kV onshore booster station, a hydrogen production facility with a… pic.twitter.com/gd2KuSPBkA

— People's Daily, China (@PDChina) June 10, 2026

Green hydrogen plays a central role

One important feature of the project is that it can make green hydrogen using electricity from renewable sources. By using solar power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, the facility can store energy as hydrogen for later use.

The Nantong Daily reported earlier this year that the solar power station achieved full-capacity grid connection on April 29, 2025. When the whole project is running, the energy storage station will be able to supply 120,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity during peak demand each day.

Meanwhile, the hydrogen production facility is expected to generate up to 180 tons of green hydrogen each year. This hydrogen can be used by nearby industries, such as chemical manufacturing and transportation, that are looking for cleaner fuel options.

Officials say the finished solar, hydrogen, and storage facilities will operate as a closed-loop energy system covering generation, storage, use, and backup.

Experts highlight stability advantages

Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, said that adding hydrogen and storage technologies can help address the problem of solar power’s volatility. He said the project shows that renewable energy is moving beyond just adding more power generation.

“Its completion marks a further step forward for China in the field of new-energy multi-energy complementarity,” he stated. He added that the project is now focused on energy conversion efficiency, integrating different energy sources, and making the system more stable, rather than just increasing capacity.

He also said that coastal regions often have strong wind and solar resources but still face inconsistent energy supply.

China scales up renewable hydrogen production

This project comes as China is rapidly expanding hydrogen production from renewable energy across the country. The National Energy Administration says the industry is moving from pilot projects to large-scale commercial use.

As of the end of March, completed and ongoing renewable hydrogen projects in China had a total production capacity of over 1 million tons per year. More than 250,000 tons per year are already in operation, which is more than double the capacity at the end of 2024. Projects under construction will add over 900,000 tons of annual capacity.

Lin noted that the long-term value of projects like Rudong will depend on reducing development costs and improving the efficiency of hydrogen production. Still, the new facility is one of the best examples to date of how solar power, energy storage, and hydrogen production can work together in a large-scale clean energy system.

A U.S. Navy unmanned surface vessel successfully rescued two Army pilots after their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed near Oman on Monday. Officials describe it as the first known use of a drone boat in a real-world military search-and-rescue mission.

The rescue happened near the Strait of Hormuz, an important shipping route that has been a focus during the conflict between the United States and Iran. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the two crew members were found in about two hours and are in stable condition.

The incident quickly got attention after President Donald Trump posted on social media that Iranian forces shot down the helicopter during a patrol. He also said the U.S. launched strikes against targets in Iran.

This rescue shows that autonomous systems are becoming more important in military missions, especially in dangerous areas at sea where quick action is needed.

Autonomous vessel takes on rescue role

A Corsair drone boat from the U.S. Navy’s Task Force 59 handled the rescue. This Bahrain-based group was set up to use more autonomous technology with regular military forces in the Middle East.

According to the U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, the drone boat found the two soldiers after they had been in the water for about two hours. CENTCOM said the rescue finished at 7:33 p.m. EDT on Monday.

“Rescue efforts were led by US Naval Forces Central Command and the 82nd Airborne Division, with support from US Air Force and Navy units including US 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59,” the statement added.

This operation demonstrated how unmanned vessels can help with missions usually done by helicopters, ships, or rescue teams. Military leaders have been looking into using autonomous systems for surveillance, logistics, and security, but this is the first time their use in rescuing people has been made public.

"I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz. There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States… pic.twitter.com/yMGXqG89ax

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 9, 2026

Corsair drone designed for long-range missions

The Corsair drone boat is made by Saronic Technologies, a defense company in Texas. It is 24 feet long, looks like a speedboat, and is designed to work at sea for long periods.

The company said the vessel can travel over 1,000 nautical miles while carrying up to 1,000 pounds (453.5 kilograms). It can also reach 35 knots.

The U.S. Navy has invested heavily in the platform. In December 2025, Saronic received a $392 million contract to provide Corsair autonomous vessels.

Task Force 59 started using the drones in the Middle East in late March, according to Hawkins. Since then, the vessels have been used in security operations throughout the region.

Growing importance of unmanned systems

This successful rescue comes as the U.S. military is increasingly using autonomous platforms in CENTCOM’s area of operations. Task Force 59 uses both sea- and air-based drones to improve surveillance and give commanders a clearer view of what is happening in the region.

Senior military leaders have often said unmanned systems help track threats and watch busy sea routes. Since the U.S.-Iran conflict began in March, commanders have stressed how drones help improve awareness at sea. The Apache rescue now adds another milestone to that record.