A Moriarty-based company’s stratospheric platform has re-entered the United States. High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) for stratospheric infrastructure completed its record-breaking trans-Pacific flight from New Mexico to Japan and back.

Callled Service Test 1 (ST1) mission, the stratospheric platform was developed by Sceye. ST1 launched on August 9, 2026, and arrived in Japan 13 days later. While operating in Japan, Sceye demonstrated mobile broadband connectivity to unmodified devices through SoftBank Corp.’s core network and HAPS-based edge computing and communication with drones to support the development of a 3D communications network.

Mission validated technology, vehicle systems, payload

“Groundbreaking and historic only begin to describe our ST1 flight,” says Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Founder and CEO of Sceye.

“This mission proved not only that our technology, vehicle systems, payload, and operational infrastructure are ready for connectivity services, but also that the stratosphere is where the future non-terrestrial infrastructure lies. The stratosphere is what will enable the always-on future – including the promised land of 6G. Together ground, stratosphere, and space – each operating at their optimal strengths, will change the course of humanity.”

During its journey, Sceye’s ST1 traveled nearly 30,000 km and re-entered continental U.S. on September 4, 2026. ST1 reached airspace near Sceye’s headquarters in Moriarty, New Mexico on September 5, 2026, where Sceye completed additional vehicle testing and a planned termination and descent.

Conducted in partnership with SoftBank Corp, a leading operator of telecommunications and IT businesses in Japan and globally, ST1 marks Sceye’s first flight to Asia and a groundbreaking milestone toward the commercial deployment of HAPS as stratospheric infrastructure. ST1 carried SceyeCELL, a first-of-its-kind “cell tower in the sky” designed to deliver wide-area mobile broadband directly to standard devices from the stratosphere. When deployed at full scale, one Sceye HAPS is designed to cover the equivalent area of approximately 500 terrestrial towers, according to a press release.

Stratosphere offers the optimal vantage point

The stratosphere offers the optimal vantage point: It is close enough to Earth for high-capacity connectivity and observation, yet the altitude is high enough for wide-area reach. Importantly, the stratosphere offers space-like conditions without the cost of being in space and the disadvantages of being in orbit. Sceye’s HAPS maintain altitude and their area of operation in the stratosphere through consecutive day and night cycles, operating like geostationary satellites, only 1,800 times closer to Earth and at a fraction of the cost, as per the release.

The platform traveled nearly 30,000 km from New Mexico to Japan and back to New Mexico over a month-long journey. The platform also tested emergency calls, using an emergency alert messaging system designed for large-scale disasters, as well as communications with drones.

Through a server installed on the HAPS, Sceye and SoftBank conducted data processing directly on the platform, demonstrating an average round-trip processing response time of 68 milliseconds, reducing communications latency by over 40% compared with internet-based cloud processing. This marks the world’s first successful test in which a mobile core network and a web server for processing were installed on a HAPS, enabling response processing to be performed entirely onboard the HAPS and the results to be relayed back to smartphones.

Researchers in the United States are shaping the nanoscience frontier, using atomic‑scale control to accelerate advances in electronics, energy storage, catalysis, sensing and medicine.

“At Argonne, some of the world’s brightest innovators are turning nanoscience into the next generation of discovery, pushing ideas that once seemed impossible into the realm of the achievable,” said Gary Wiederrecht, director of the Center for Nanoscale Materials and the Nanoscience and Technology division.

At the nanoscale, properties can shift dramatically

It has also been highlihted that modern nanoscience rests on a simple idea: Matter behaves differently when it becomes small enough. At the nanoscale, properties can shift dramatically because quantum effects and the forces acting at a material’s surface — such as electrostatic and other molecular interactions — begin to dominate their behavior.

“What makes nanoscience so exciting is that it is ultimately about the extraordinary changes that occur when materials shrink from the bulk world into the nanoscale, where virtually everything begins to behave differently,” said Gary Wiederrecht, director of the CNM and Argonne’s Nanoscience and Technology division.

​”At the nanoscale, new properties emerge — optical, electrical, chemical — that simply don’t exist at larger scales. Scientists and engineers use those changes to create impactful technologies that were once impossible.”

Argonne entered the modern era of nanoscience with deep strengths in materials research, photon science and advanced instrumentation. For decades, its researchers have worked to develop groundbreaking tools to redefine how scientists visualize, understand and engineer matter at the atomic scale.

Upgrade increased brightness of its X-ray beams 500‑fold

Completed in 1995, the APS is now the world’s brightest synchrotron X‑ray source. Its comprehensive upgrade, completed in 2026, increased the brightness of its X-ray beams 500‑fold, enabling researchers to more precisely image atomic structures and track defect formation in real time as materials undergo different environmental stresses, according to a press release.

A powerful new tool, Argonne’s world‑class In Situ Nanoprobe (ISN), moves the lab’s beamline imaging capability into the realm of ​“in situ” study, where researchers can watch how materials work, adapt and fail in real‑world conditions. This is a critical step toward breakthroughs in energy, microelectronics, quantum systems and advanced manufacturing.

“The APS is already one of the world’s great engines for understanding matter,” said Sarah Wiegold, an Argonne physicist. ​”The ISN expands that strength by adding an especially important dimension: the ability to probe nanoscale behavior under realistic operating conditions.”

The ISN connects with complementary APS techniques that examine materials across larger length scales, different time scales and alternate modes of contrast. Together, these capabilities create a far more complete understanding of complex materials — from the atomic and nanoscale origins of behavior to system-level performance, as per the release.

A Seattle-based company is set to boost autonomous operations in the U.S. Army. Overland AI, the leader in ground-based autonomous capabilities, has been selected by the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive (CPE) Mission Autonomy for the Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability (EABC) initiative.

This $20 million contract signifies a broader shift from proving that autonomy works to delivering an operational breaching package that soldiers can employ.

Breaching mission can be executed most effectively with truly autonomous vehicles

“A breaching mission can be executed most effectively with truly autonomous vehicles,” said Byron Boots, co-founder and chief executive officer of Overland AI.

“Our proprietary software stack is the best solution for ensuring the safety of soldiers by modernizing the battlefield.”

The company revealed that its Overland AI’s software stack, OverDrive, can be integrated onto any ground vehicles to make them autonomous and enable multi-robot coordination. This technology is being leveraged for complex military operations such as breaching to overcome obstacles and facilitate the safe passage of follow-on forces.

With one operator to many robotic platforms, the company’s autonomous systems are designed to reduce the number of combat engineers needed to complete a breach. In doing so, we can reduce unnecessary risk to soldiers during these exceptionally hazardous missions. For operations that have historically cost many American lives, this shift has meaningful implications, according to a press release.

Autonomous mission capabilities, spanning software stacks, hardware platforms

CPE Mission Autonomy was established to accelerate Army acquisition of autonomous mission capabilities, spanning software stacks, hardware platforms, and modular payloads. Along with its partners and subcontractors, Overland AI is delivering the full capability, from operator to battlefield effect. 

Overland AI was selected for its innovative approach to autonomous breaching, honed through extensive work with warfighters across multiple combat engineer units and Department of War research labs, and more than 25 government demonstrations for DARPA, DIU, and the U.S. Army. The EABC program is designed to deliver a cohesive autonomous breaching package, and Overland AI is honored to bring this next generation capability to warfighters, as per the release.

Breaching is a critical combat-engineering function. Forces may need to create passages through obstacles so that troops, vehicles and other equipment can continue advancing. Traditionally, combat engineers must operate in highly exposed environments while identifying and overcoming these obstacles.

The EABC initiative seeks to change that equation by introducing autonomous systems into the process.

The objective is not simply to put a vehicle under remote control. Instead, the Army is pursuing a broader autonomous capability that combines vehicles, software, sensors, control systems and mission-specific equipment into a coordinated package.

That distinction is important as military organizations increasingly look at autonomy as a way to reduce human exposure to battlefield hazards.

The company says its approach has been developed through work with combat engineers, military research organizations and government programs. Overland AI also says it has conducted more than 25 government demonstrations involving organizations including DARPA, the Defense Innovation Unit and the U.S. Army.

This operational experience appears to have been an important factor in the company’s selection.

The Overland AI contract comes as the U.S. military is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems across multiple domains.

The Army has increasingly emphasized systems capable of operating with greater independence, while recent programs have explored autonomous intelligence, sensing, targeting, logistics and maneuver.

A Chicago-based company has been awarded an initial $23.67 million acquisition contract under the U.S. Department of War’s Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT).

With this Numat Technologies will accelerate the deployment of next-generation chemical and biological protection suits for U.S. Special Operations Forces.

The award is being executed in partnership with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) and is intended to speed the transition of the company’s technology from development into operational use.

Numat will deliver field-ready protective suits at scale

The APFIT program was established to bridge the gap between promising defense technologies and field deployment by providing procurement funding for mature innovations that are ready for operational use. Since its launch, the program has supported the rapid acquisition of advanced capabilities for the U.S. military, with total awards now exceeding $2 billion, according to a press release.

“Over the past 10 years, Numat built the MOF industrial base for this moment, where we can activate an entire supply chain, from material design through high-volume system manufacturing, to protect the Warfighter,” said Ben Hernandez, CEO of Numat Technologies.

“This contract award reflects our long-term investment in American innovation. Numat will deliver finished, field-ready protective suits at scale, made completely in the United States.”

Numat’s protection suits incorporate metal-organic frameworks

Numat’s protection suits incorporate metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)—highly porous engineered materials designed to capture and neutralize hazardous chemical and biological agents. Unlike conventional protective garments that primarily act as barriers, the company’s MOF-enabled suits are engineered to self-detoxify by neutralizing harmful substances upon contact, while also improving breathability and wearer mobility.

Under the APFIT contract, Numat will supply the MOF-enabled chemical and biological (CB) suits directly to U.S. Special Operations Forces, whose personnel often operate in environments where exposure to chemical and biological threats is a significant concern. According to the company, the suits are designed to offer enhanced protection without compromising comfort or operational effectiveness.

The contract also represents a milestone for the domestic manufacturing of metal-organic frameworks, a technology that has gained increasing attention for applications ranging from defense and industrial filtration to energy storage and environmental protection. Numat said it has spent more than a decade building a U.S.-based supply chain capable of designing, producing and integrating MOFs into mission-critical systems.

Company Chief Executive Officer Ben Hernandez said the award reflects years of investment in establishing a domestic industrial base for MOF technology and positions the company to deliver field-ready protective equipment manufactured entirely in the United States.

The latest award builds on Numat’s long-standing collaboration with several U.S. defense organizations, including the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, the Capability Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense, U.S. Special Operations Command, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy. These partnerships have helped advance MOF technology from laboratory research to scalable manufacturing, according to the company.

Beyond military applications, Numat said its MOF platform has potential uses across industrial, semiconductor and energy sectors, where advanced materials are increasingly being deployed for gas storage, chemical separation and hazardous material filtration.

The APFIT award underscores the U.S. government’s broader efforts to accelerate the procurement of innovative defense technologies while strengthening the domestic industrial base and reducing the time required to transition emerging capabilities into operational service.

Austin-based SuperCritical Materials Corp. has secured a license from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to commercialize a patented uranium and critical materials extraction technology developed by DOE laboratories.

The development is a significant step toward expanding future nuclear fuel supply through unconventional uranium resources.

Licensed technology is designed to extract uranium from seawater

Developed with support from the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy and led by researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the licensed technology is designed to extract uranium from seawater using advanced adsorbent materials. SuperCritical said the agreement grants the company rights to manufacture and deploy the technology at industrial scale in the United States, with plans to expand into allied nations in the future.

The announcement comes as the United States accelerates investment in advanced nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, advanced manufacturing and other energy-intensive industries. Industry experts have increasingly highlighted that while reactor development is advancing, expanding the upstream nuclear fuel supply chain—including uranium production, enrichment and fuel fabrication—remains a critical challenge.

According to the company, the world’s oceans contain an estimated 4.5 billion metric tons of dissolved uranium, representing a resource far larger than known terrestrial reserves. While extracting uranium from seawater has long been considered technically feasible, commercial deployment has remained limited due to economic and engineering challenges.

SuperCritical intends to commercialize DOE-developed process

SuperCritical said it intends to commercialize the DOE-developed process using advances in adsorption chemistry and materials science. In addition to uranium, the company believes the technology could also enable the recovery of other strategically important critical materials from seawater.

The company describes its long-term strategy as building infrastructure to support what it calls the “Intelligence Economy,” a period of economic growth expected to be driven by artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced computing, defense technologies and digital infrastructure. It argues that reliable nuclear energy and secure fuel supplies will be essential to sustaining this growth.

“Our objective is straightforward,” said Alexander Canon Bryan, founder and chief executive officer of SuperCritical Materials. “If the Intelligence Economy requires abundant, reliable nuclear energy, then it will also require abundant, reliable nuclear fuel.”

SuperCritical noted that its technical team includes former researchers from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, including Dr. Gary Gill, a co-founder of the company and a scientist who has spent more than two decades researching uranium extraction from seawater.

The company said commercial deployment of the technology could contribute to strengthening domestic nuclear fuel supply chains while supporting broader U.S. efforts to improve energy security, expand critical materials production and reduce dependence on imported strategic resources.

The licensing agreement also aligns with ongoing federal initiatives aimed at strengthening America’s nuclear industrial base and increasing domestic production of critical minerals and materials.

Although seawater uranium extraction has been demonstrated in research settings, analysts note that large-scale commercialization will depend on achieving competitive production costs and successfully scaling the technology for industrial use. Industry observers view the DOE licensing agreement as an important milestone toward evaluating the commercial viability of the process.

The NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has selected a consortium led by Thales and Leonardo to deliver a new generation of secure deployable communication and information systems for the Alliance’s Allied Special Operations Forces Command (SOFCOM). The award marks the first phase of a broader NATO initiative aimed at strengthening digital connectivity, operational resilience, and command capabilities for special operations forces.

Under the contract, the two European defence companies will provide six Deployable Points of Presence for Special Operations Component Commands (DPOP SOCC), along with operator training and long-term support. These mobile headquarters are designed to give NATO Special Forces secure command-and-control capabilities that can be rapidly deployed in demanding operational environments.

Secure communications, resilient networking

The deployable systems will combine secure communications, resilient networking, high-performance computing, and advanced IT infrastructure while maintaining a reduced electromagnetic and physical signature. This design enables forces to establish operational headquarters quickly without compromising security or mobility. The systems will also support classified, multi-domain information sharing and enhanced cybersecurity, ensuring interoperability across NATO forces and partner nations.

“Thales brings end‑to‑end expertise in secure information and communication systems, deep knowledge of NATO’s reference architecture, and a long track record of delivering projects to the Alliance,” said Alexandre Bottero, Vice President, Networks and Infrastructure Systems, Thales.

“By combining this expertise with Leonardo’s capabilities, we are harnessing the best of European industry in a modular, upgradable, and field‑proven system, providing NATO Special Forces with next‑generation deployable CIS.”

A notable feature of the programme is the introduction of real-time Full Motion Video (FMV) sharing between separate deployable systems, a capability being fielded for the first time in a NATO special operations communications network. The addition is expected to improve situational awareness, intelligence sharing, and mission coordination during complex operations.

Thales and Leonardo will oversee lifecycle support

Beyond delivering the systems, Thales and Leonardo will oversee lifecycle support, upgrades, maintenance, and user training to ensure the platforms remain operational and adaptable as mission requirements evolve. The project also brings together industrial expertise from across the Alliance, with key technologies contributed by companies in the United Kingdom and Germany.

The collaboration combines Thales’ experience in secure communications and NATO network architectures with Leonardo’s expertise in deployable command post solutions. Together, the companies aim to provide NATO with a modular, scalable, and future-ready communications capability capable of supporting special operations in increasingly contested environments.

“Leonardo’s experience, developed at Italian level through the delivery of complete Regimental and Divisional Command Post capabilities, enables the introduction of modular NATO-ready systems based on fixed and expandable shelters,” said Antonio Levato, SVP Air and Land Systems Land and Sea Business at Leonardo Electronics.

“The strength of the design stems from the close collaboration between industry and the end user, who has chosen Leonardo as both the System Integrator and the Design Authority for Italian command post. This partnership among two major players of the European defence industry allows to combine Leonardo’s field proven deployable solutions with Thales experience in NATO’s secure communications programs.”

The programme underscores NATO’s continued investment in modernizing command, control, communications, and information systems as the Alliance prepares for evolving security challenges. By enhancing secure connectivity and rapid deployment capabilities, the new systems are expected to strengthen operational readiness and improve coordination among multinational special operations forces during future missions.

Elon Musk has reportedly acquired APR Energy, a company known for supplying rapidly deployable power generation systems. The move could help meet the growing electricity demands of his artificial intelligence venture, xAI. Details of the deal surfaced through regulatory filings rather than an official announcement from Musk or his companies.

APR Energy specializes in temporary and mobile power solutions, offering gas turbine and reciprocating engine systems that can be transported quickly and brought online in a short period. The company’s fleet is capable of generating more than one gigawatt of electricity, making it a valuable asset for organizations requiring large amounts of power without waiting for permanent grid infrastructure.

Strategic step to support xAI’s expanding computing operations

The reported acquisition is widely viewed as a strategic step to support xAI’s expanding computing operations. As AI models become larger and more sophisticated, the data centers that train and run them require enormous amounts of electricity. Securing reliable power has become one of the biggest challenges facing AI developers, especially as utilities struggle to keep pace with rising demand.

The turbines could emit over 2,000 tons of smog-forming nitrogen oxides, according to the environmental groups. In Boxtown, the predominantly Black neighborhood closest to the facility, the cancer risk already runs four times the national average. xAI officials said they planned to “copy and paste” the same turbine strategy for Colossus 2, reported Electrek.

Unlike traditional power plants that often take years to construct, APR Energy’s modular systems can be installed much more quickly. This flexibility could allow xAI to expand its computing capacity faster by providing temporary or supplemental electricity while permanent infrastructure is developed.

Increasing importance of energy security in AI industry

The move also reflects the increasing importance of energy security in the AI industry. Rather than relying entirely on local power grids, technology companies are exploring alternative ways to guarantee uninterrupted electricity for their data centers. Owning a company with mobile generation capabilities could give xAI greater control over its future expansion plans.

However, the reported deal has also drawn attention because APR Energy’s portfolio primarily relies on natural gas and diesel-powered generation. While these technologies offer dependable and rapid deployment, they also raise environmental concerns due to greenhouse gas emissions. The acquisition highlights the ongoing debate between the immediate energy needs of AI infrastructure and longer-term sustainability goals.

Industry analysts believe the purchase is another example of Elon Musk’s strategy of integrating critical parts of his businesses. By combining AI development with direct access to power generation assets, xAI could reduce operational risks associated with electricity shortages and accelerate the deployment of new computing facilities.

Although the reported transaction has generated significant interest, several details remain unclear, including the financial terms of the acquisition and how APR Energy’s assets will be integrated into xAI’s future operations. Neither Musk nor xAI had officially commented on the reported purchase at the time the information became public.

As competition in artificial intelligence continues to intensify, access to reliable energy is increasingly becoming as important as access to advanced chips and computing hardware. If the reported acquisition is confirmed, it could signal a broader trend in which leading AI companies invest directly in energy infrastructure to support their long-term growth.

Dassault Aviation has achieved a major milestone in its business jet program as the all-new Falcon 10X successfully completed its maiden flight. The step marks the beginning of the aircraft’s flight-test campaign and demonstrating the maturity of the development program.

The inaugural flight took place from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in France, where test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin and copilot Fabrice Dougnac lifted off aboard the Falcon 10X for a mission lasting approximately two and a half hours.

During the flight, the crew evaluated the aircraft’s handling characteristics and onboard systems, reaching an altitude of 40,000 feet and accelerating to Mach 0.82 before returning for a smooth landing.

First flight

The successful first flight represents a significant step forward for Dassault Aviation as it prepares what is expected to become one of the most advanced and spacious ultra-long-range business jets in the world.

Speaking on the achievement, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier described the maiden flight as an important milestone for the company. He credited the accomplishment to the dedication and expertise of the engineering, production, and flight-test teams, as well as the support of the company’s global network of partners.

“This inaugural flight is another milestone for Dassault,” said Chairman and CEO Eric Trappier.

“It is a reflection of the dedication and high skill of our engineering, production, and flight teams, and also the quality of our global network of partners. All of us are excited to see this day as we launch into a new phase for the 10X.”

Aircraft performed as planned

The Falcon 10X program has been years in the making, involving thousands of employees and suppliers. Test pilot Sébastien Dupont de Dinechin noted that the aircraft performed as planned throughout the flight, highlighting the extensive effort invested in bringing the aircraft from concept to reality.

The flight-test program is expected to expand rapidly. A second test aircraft is nearing completion and will soon join the campaign, while a third aircraft equipped with a full interior will be used primarily for systems evaluation, cabin functionality assessments, and reliability testing.

The Falcon 10X is positioned as the flagship of Dassault’s Falcon family and is designed to set new standards in business aviation through a combination of advanced technology, long-range capability, and passenger comfort. The aircraft is expected to compete in the ultra-long-range segment, serving customers who require intercontinental travel with enhanced efficiency and luxury.

Dassault Aviation emphasized that it is currently the only aircraft manufacturer flying an entirely new aircraft type in 2026, underscoring the company’s continued commitment to innovation. The achievement also reflects the benefits of Dassault’s unique expertise across both civil and military aviation sectors, which has long been a cornerstone of the company’s success.

With more than a century of aerospace experience and over 10,000 aircraft delivered worldwide, Dassault Aviation continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading manufacturers of high-end business jets. The successful maiden flight of the Falcon 10X marks the beginning of a new chapter for the company and brings the aircraft one step closer to entering service.

The Spanish Navy has carried out a successful at-sea test of the Hornet Block 1 interceptor, a new system designed to counter the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and drone swarms. The trial was conducted aboard the frigate F-81 Santa María and represents a significant step toward enhancing naval defenses against increasingly common low-cost aerial threats.

The demonstration involved launching a Hornet Block 1 interceptor from a containerized launcher temporarily installed on the vessel. Unlike conventional missile systems that often require extensive ship modifications, the Hornet concept is built around modular launch containers that can be integrated onto existing platforms with minimal changes. This flexibility could allow navies to rapidly expand their defensive capabilities without undertaking expensive modernization programs.

Optimized for the interception of subsonic drones

Developed by European defense technology firm Destinus, the Hornet Block 1 is optimized for the interception of subsonic drones and coordinated drone attacks. The system is intended to provide warships with a dedicated layer of protection against unmanned threats, reducing the need to employ high-value surface-to-air missiles against relatively inexpensive targets.

According to the company, the interceptor combines multiple guidance methods to ensure effectiveness in contested environments. During flight, it can utilize radar-based navigation and then transition to autonomous target engagement using a combination of onboard sensors. This design is intended to maintain operational effectiveness even in scenarios where satellite navigation signals are disrupted or unavailable.

Comparatively long engagement range

One of the Hornet Block 1’s key advantages is its comparatively long engagement range, reported to exceed 75 kilometers. The interceptor carries a small payload tailored for neutralizing drones and similar aerial targets while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design. Such characteristics make it particularly suitable for defending ships against massed UAV attacks.

The successful trial aboard the Santa María-class frigate is noteworthy because the class dates back several decades. Demonstrating the system on an older vessel suggests that similar ships could receive enhanced counter-drone capabilities without requiring major structural upgrades. This could be especially attractive for navies seeking affordable solutions to emerging threats.

Containerized interceptor

Interest in counter-drone systems has grown sharply in recent years as conflicts around the world have highlighted the effectiveness of UAVs in both surveillance and strike roles. Naval forces are increasingly looking for ways to defeat large numbers of drones without exhausting expensive missile inventories. Containerized interceptors such as the Hornet offer a potential answer by providing a lower-cost defensive option that can be deployed across a wide range of platforms.

Destinus is also working on a more advanced successor known as the Hornet Block 2. The future variant is expected to feature greater range, a larger payload, and expanded mission capabilities, including both air-defense and precision-strike roles. The company has indicated that advanced networking and artificial intelligence technologies may play a role in enabling coordinated operations between multiple interceptors.

A Florida-based company has announced a series of major advancements in maritime and long-range detection capabilities utilizing its proprietary using its Base Molecular Resonance (BMR) technology platform.

BMRT’s Generation 2 platform offers unprecedented offshore and underwater detection results following the successful completion of a separate U.S. government-sponsored field study.

The company stated that the results mark the first operational deployment of BMRT’s Generation 2 platform in a true maritime environment and further reinforce the company’s position at the intersection of advanced physics, national security, and resonance-based detection technologies.

Long-range performance

“These results fundamentally alter how the world should think about shielding, distance, underwater concealment, and the movement of strategic materials,” said Robert “Bo” Short, co-founder and CEO of BMRT.

“The oceans have historically served as a sanctuary for concealment, transport, and strategic ambiguity. With this technology those assumptions collapse.”

Unlike previous demonstrations, which emphasized long-range performance in land-based settings as well as controlled tethered aerial scenarios, the Generation 2 maritime testing initiative was specifically designed to assess precision detection capabilities within a maritime operating environment. Rather than pursuing maximum standoff distances, the effort focused on validating target discrimination, environmental stability, and detection precision from mobile maritime platform, according to a press release.

Long-range detection event involving U-235

BMRT also publicly disclosed for the first time details surrounding a long-range detection event involving U-235.

During a demonstration attended by representatives from an elite U.S. Combatant Command, BMRT’s Generation 2 system reportedly detected U-235 from Stuart, Florida, across the Gulf of America to the South Texas Project Electric Generating Station near Bay City, Texas, a distance of approximately 970 miles, as per the release.

BMRT stated that it is now releasing portions of this information due to the continued maturation of the technology, the successful evolution into its Generation 2 architecture, and the increasing strategic importance of transparent discussions surrounding nuclear detection, maritime security, counter-proliferation, and strategic deterrence.

“We are entering an era where the movement of strategic materials can no longer remain hidden by distance, shielding, terrain, or water,” said Lee Duke, BMRT’s co-founder and president.

“The implications for global security, maritime monitoring, counter-proliferation operations, and nuclear transparency are profound.”

Operating from maritime vessels offshore, BMRT conducted a series of advanced detection exercises with the positive results.

From a maritime platform positioned approximately 1,500 feet offshore, the Gen 2 system successfully detected ten individual nitrocellulose-based propellant targets located inside a vehicle on land. While operating from a maritime vessel, the system successfully detected a single trace quantity of nitrocellulose-based propellant positioned on a floating object at an approximate distance of 270 feet.

From a maritime platform, the system detected two discrete nitrocellulose-based propellant targets positioned on a floating object at approximately 450 feet, demonstrating enhanced range performance with increased target mass.

In underwater trials, trace quantities of nitrocellulose-based propellant were submerged at depth to evaluate system performance through water. Despite the extremely low target mass, detection remained precise and stable, performing as though the water itself were effectively absent from the detection environment, according to BMRT.

An aerospace and defense company has unveiled its new deep-reach intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) drone. Called RQ-70, the drone delivers ISR capabilities beyond the immediate tactical frontline.

Developed by AIRO Group Holdings, the RQ-70 drone is expected to enter full-scale production in January 2027.

“The RQ-70 is a direct response to what our customers have been asking for, with longer range, greater endurance, and the same operational reliability they have come to expect from the RQ-35,” said Joe Burns, AIRO CEO.

“Together, these platforms give allied defense forces a complete ISR toolkit, and give AIRO a stronger foundation to compete across a broader set of mission requirements.”

Longer-range ISR capability

The RQ-70 builds on the operational success of the RQ-35 Heidrun, which has been deployed by NATO member and allied forces, and directly addresses growing customer demand for longer-range ISR capability and extended mission endurance. Together, the two platforms establish AIRO as a multi-platform ISR provider equipped to serve a broad spectrum of mission requirements across allied defense forces. The introduction of the RQ-70 deepens AIRO’s presence in the defense drone market while expanding its customer base, according to a press release.

The company revealed that building on the RQ-35’s proven operational model, the RQ-70 supports standard hand launch and deep-stall landing, operates in GNSS-denied environments, and incorporates onboard AI to further advance AIRO’s AI roadmap. The platform also offers configuration flexibility, including standard, long-range, and VTOL-enabled options. In addition, the RQ-70 features a modular payload and software architecture that can be tailored to specific mission requirements, enabling it to serve as a standalone, full-service ISR drone for many NATO and allied defense customers.

Other key system capabilities include up to 8 hours of endurance for persistent surveillance and longer time on station; ISR operations beyond the front lines with an operational range of 62+ miles (100 km); resilience in GPS/GNSS-denied environments; deployment by a single operator with fully autonomous mission operation and recovery; and connectivity designed for digital battlefield integration, as per the release.

Drone can deliver long-range, persistent surveillance

“Modern conflicts have shown that success depends on a multitude of factors, such as how quickly intelligence can be collected, processed, and delivered to decision-makers,” said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, AIRO Executive Chairman.

“The RQ-70 is designed to meet that challenge, delivering long-range, persistent surveillance that integrates seamlessly into connected battlefield environments to provide reliable intelligence when it matters most.”

The unveiling at Eurosatory gives customers, partners, and industry stakeholders their first chance to see the aircraft configuration firsthand, providing a clear sense of its scale, capabilities, and intended operational concept.

The launch further supports AIRO’s broader growth strategy, which includes expanding its defense manufacturing footprint in Europe and developing next-generation unmanned systems. With the addition of the RQ-70, AIRO aims to strengthen its position as a provider of scalable, AI-enabled ISR solutions capable of meeting evolving battlefield requirements.

The U.S. Air Force has awarded production contract for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The engineering and manufacturing development and production contracts have been awarded to General Atomics, FQ-42, and Anduril, FQ-44 for CCA Increment 1.

Building upon decades of responsible, semi-autonomous flight development, CCA represent the next critical evolution of airpower. CCA are designed to seamlessly integrate with crewed fighters to extend reach, awareness and survivability in contested environments. This human-machine teaming will serve as a powerful deterrent, signaling to adversaries the futility of challenging U.S. airpower.

Tactical edge can defeat any adversary

“Collaborative Combat Aircraft change how we project power and generate mass in highly contested environments,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach.

“Delivering this capability to our warfighters faster ensures our forces maintain the tactical edge required to deter and, if necessary, defeat any adversary.”

These contracts have been awarded four months ahead of schedule, these contracts signify that the FQ-42 and FQ-44 meet rigorous mission requirements and are ready for full-scale manufacturing. The decision follows a competitive source selection process, identifying the systems as the most capable and cost-effective solutions to maintain air superiority in an increasingly complex and contested global threat environment.

150 combat capable CCA

“By moving fast from competitive selection into full-scale manufacturing, we position ourselves to field highly credible and combat-ready semi-autonomous systems to stay ahead of the pacing challenge,” said Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink.

“These contracts reaffirm our confidence in the strategic path forward for the program to procure over 150 combat capable CCA by the end of the decade.”

It’s also revealed that the equally critical to the CCA ecosystem is the mission autonomy software. The Air Force awarded mission autonomy production contracts to a pool of six vendors, establishing a competitive marketplace for the program.

“Mission autonomy is the cornerstone of the CCA concept, and leveraging a competitive, multi-vendor environment ensures we capture the latest technology,” Meink said.

“This approach guarantees our Airmen are equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities today but keeps the door open for the breakthroughs necessary to maintain air superiority.”

The software contract leverages a first-of-its-kind award fee exposure strategy, which enables operator feedback and combat performance to determine what the Air Force pays for mission autonomy. The Air Force will only pay the entire licensing fee if a vendor provides a combat capability aligned with warfighter needs and feedback. The licensing approach also allows the Air Force to award software licenses to any of the six vendors within the pool at any point over the next six years. This approach ensures the Air Force can procure the best-performing and most affordable solutions as technology evolves, according to a press release.

A Washington-based nuclear energy company has achieved a key milestone for the UK deployment. TerraPower has begun the formal commencement of the UK regulatory review for its Natrium plant, and the launch of its subsidiary, TerraPower UK Ltd.

These regulatory and commercial activities mark the company’s most significant steps to date toward deploying a fleet of Natrium reactors in the United Kingdom, according to the company.

Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process begins

“TerraPower is entering the UK market with a long-term commitment to supporting the nation’s clean energy future and establishing ourselves as a serious and reliable deployment partner,” said Chris Levesque, President and CEO of TerraPower.

“Starting Step 1 of the GDA process and establishing TerraPower UK mark major advances in our mission to bring the Natrium technology to Britain. These milestones demonstrate TerraPower’s dedication to working alongside the UK to deploy safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy for decades to come.”

TerraPower has now begun Step 1 of the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. The company submitted its GDA application in October 2025, its first international regulatory filing for the Natrium technology and received formal acceptance by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero in February 2026. The start of Step 1 of the GDA process marks a significant step toward Natrium advanced reactor deployment in the UK, supporting Britian’s ambition to accelerate innovative, sustainable and next-generation energy solutions, according to a press release.

‘Delivering a golden age of nuclear’

“TerraPower’s decision to establish a UK presence is an important vote of confidence in the UK as a leading destination for nuclear projects and investment,” said Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear.

“We are delivering a golden age of nuclear and recognise the role advanced nuclear technology could play, providing clean, reliable power and strengthening our energy security.”

Natrium technology is first mover in advanced reactor sector

The company revealed that the Natrium technology is the first mover in the advanced reactor sector and is well positioned to support rapidly increasing energy demand. The Natrium plant design features a 345 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor with a patented molten salt-based energy storage system.

The storage technology can boost the system’s output to 500 MW of power when needed as it is designed to keep base output steady, ensuring constant reliability, and can quickly ramp up when demand peaks—it is the only advanced reactor design with this unique feature.

“Confirming arrangements is an important enabling step for ONR to engage with and assess TerraPower’s Natrium design,” said Diego Fernandez Lisbona, ONR’s Head of Regulation for the TerraPower Natrium GDA and Advanced Nuclear Technologies.

“Interactions in 2025, through our framework for Early Engagement, have provided early design familiarity and we will continue to engage closely with TerraPower and broader stakeholders as GDA progresses.”

TerraPower has been successfully working through the regulatory requirements in the United States, where the first Natrium plant is being constructed. This includes the recent construction approval by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin building the plant. The UK’s GDA process will expand on the company’s experience and efforts in the U.S. and will allow TerraPower to establish deployment timelines for Natrium sites in the country, as per the release.

“We welcome TerraPower’s entry into the UK’s Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process,” said Yeliz Marshall, NRW’s Radioactivity and Industry Policy Senior Specialist Advisor.

“It provides a valuable route to embed environmental protection early in the Natrium design and address key risks ahead of any future deployment. This GDA also creates scope to benefit from closer international regulatory working under the UK–U.S. Atlantic Partnership for Advanced Nuclear Energy.”

Chinese solar manufacturer Trina Solar has unveiled a commercial-scale perovskite-silicon tandem solar panel that has set a new global benchmark for efficiency and power output, according to a report.

The newly developed module achieved a conversion efficiency of 29.2 percent and a power output of 907 watts, making it one of the most powerful solar panels ever produced for commercial applications. The achievement highlights the rapid progress being made in perovskite-based photovoltaic technology, which many experts consider the next major evolution in solar energy.

Record-setting module uses advanced tandem design

Traditional solar panels rely primarily on silicon cells to convert sunlight into electricity. While silicon technology has improved steadily over the years, it is approaching its practical efficiency limits. Perovskite materials offer a promising alternative because they can absorb different parts of the solar spectrum more effectively. By combining a perovskite layer with a silicon cell in a tandem structure, manufacturers can capture more sunlight and generate significantly more electricity from the same panel area.

The record-setting module uses an advanced tandem design that integrates a perovskite top cell with a silicon bottom cell. This configuration enables higher energy conversion rates than conventional silicon-only panels. Independent testing confirmed the panel’s performance, demonstrating that the technology is moving beyond laboratory experiments and toward large-scale commercial deployment.

Significant milestone in the global race for solar innovation

China’s latest achievement also represents a significant milestone in the global race for solar innovation. The breakthrough allows the country to reclaim a leading position in solar efficiency after strong competition from manufacturers in other regions. It further strengthens China’s role as the world’s largest producer of solar equipment and a major driver of renewable energy development.

Beyond higher efficiency, perovskite technology offers the potential for lower manufacturing costs. The materials can be produced using simpler processes and require less energy-intensive manufacturing compared to traditional silicon cells. If commercial production can be scaled successfully, the technology could reduce the cost of solar electricity while increasing energy output.

However, challenges remain before perovskite solar panels become mainstream. One of the industry’s biggest concerns is long-term durability. While silicon panels can operate efficiently for decades, perovskite materials are more sensitive to environmental factors such as heat, moisture, and ultraviolet radiation. Researchers and manufacturers are therefore focused on improving stability and ensuring that the new generation of panels can withstand real-world operating conditions over extended periods.

Despite these hurdles, the latest efficiency record demonstrates how quickly the technology is advancing. Industry analysts believe that tandem solar cells combining silicon and perovskite materials could become a key component of future renewable energy systems, helping countries generate more power from limited space while accelerating the transition to clean energy.

Trina’s solar cell isn’t just any solar cell. Its record was achieved using a perovskite-on-silicon tandem design, which stacks two different solar materials on top of each other to capture a broader range of sunlight. The perovskite layer absorbs higher-energy wavelengths while the silicon layer captures light that would otherwise pass through, allowing the cell to convert more of the sun’s energy into electricity, reported Oil Price.

A Swiss marine power company has achieved another critical milestone on the path to low-carbon shipping using ammonia as a marine fuel. WinGD completed successful testing of its X72DF-A engine in China.

The company has also completed the Factory Acceptance Test on the engine, which will be installed on a 210,000 dwt dry bulk carrier on order for CMB.TECH. 

“We’re proud to work closely with pioneering shipowners like CMB.TECH to build confidence in ammonia as a safe and efficient marine fuel for a zero-carbon future,” said Dominik Schneiter, CEO, WinGD Ltd.

Engine features high-pressure ammonia injection

WinGD also revealed that the testing of the X72DF-A engine was completed at CSSC Engine Co. (CSE), witnessed by Lloyd’s Register (LR) and representatives from classification societies American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and China Classification Society (CCS). The FAT certification joins the already received FIT and TAT approvals for the XDF-A platform, rounding out the robust test campaigns.

The 72-bore engine, built at CSE, with the fuel supply system manufactured by Sunrui Marine Environmental Engineering Co, is being installed on the first of ten bulkers on order for CMB.TECH. An order that demonstrates industry confidence that large-scale commercial vessels can operate safely and efficiently on ammonia, paving the way for widespread adoption across the global fleet. This recent testing, of the X52DF-A and X72DF-A, underscores that this confidence is well-placed, according to a press release.

“We started our journey on the development of the X72 DF-A with WinGD four years ago. Thanks to an excellent collaboration, we are able to deliver the first dual fuel ammonia engines to our large bulk carriers. This is a very important step in the decarbonisation journey of shipping,” said Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH.

The X-DF-A engine features high-pressure ammonia injection supplemented by a low, targeted pilot fuel dose of around five per cent at full load. The engine delivers load handling, dynamic response and fuel efficiency on par with WinGD’s equivalent diesel-fuelled X Engines in both ammonia and diesel operating modes. Throughout a rigorous multi-year development and testing process, the X-DF-A platform has proven to achieve over 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in ammonia mode compared to diesel mode, as per the release.

New engine design into commercial operation

“Bringing a new engine design into commercial operation is aways the result of strong joint effort between engine and vessel designer, engine builder, shipyard and owner,” said CSE Chief Engineer, Zhang Guangwei.

“CSE is honoured to be the first engine builder in China to deliver ammonia-fuelled engines to the maritime market, and to take an early role in what will become a significant market as ammonia fuel is used more widely in shipping.”

WinGD has secured an early orderbook of 40 X-DF-A engines for a range of vessel types, underlining increasing market readiness for ammonia propulsion and giving shipowners choice as they navigate evolving regulatory and market demands on the path to net zero emissions, according to details available.

A German company’s advanced mobile air defense system is soon to showcase its battlefield power. Called the Skyranger 30, the mobile air defense system combines state-of-the-art sensor technology with enormous firepower.

Rheinmetall will showcase its Skyranger 30 system, based on the Lynx KF41 combat vehicle, at this year’s Eurosatory 2026 in Paris. The system offers an optimal combination of mobility, protection, flexibility and precision to meet the growing demands of challenging threat scenarios in the close and immediate vicinity.

Skyranger combines state-of-the-art sensor technology

The company also revealed that the Skyranger 30 addresses the urgent global demand for resilient and mobile close-range air defense. In light of modern threat scenarios—particularly the widespread use of drones and loitering munitions—the Skyranger closes a critical capability gap for Western armed forces.

The Skyranger combines state-of-the-art sensor technology with enormous firepower. At its core is the 30mmx173 KCE revolver cannon, which has an effective range of up to 3,000 meters. Through the use of programmable airburst munitions, the system achieves an extremely high probability of hit against micro-drones.

Optimal combination of mobility, protection

Numerous EU and NATO members, including Germany, have opted for Rheinmetall’s Skyranger 30 mobile air defense solution in recent years.

The system combines high-precision cannon and missile defense to protect mobile units against current airborne threats.

For longer ranges, the turret is modular in design and can flexibly accommodate short-range air defense missiles (SHORAD). An integrated search radar and electro-optical sensors enable seamless 360-degree reconnaissance and target tracking, allowing the system to operate completely autonomously or as part of a networked system, according to a press release.

Skyranger system represents Rheinmetall’s response to a rapidly evolving threats

The Skyranger system represents Rheinmetall’s response to a rapidly evolving battlefield environment in which traditional air defense architectures are increasingly challenged by low-cost unmanned aerial systems and highly maneuverable airborne threats. Designed to protect mobile forces and critical assets, the system combines advanced sensors, automated target engagement, and a powerful mix of cannon and missile-based interceptors.

The heart of the system is the high-rate-of-fire 30 mm cannon, which employs programmable airburst ammunition to effectively defeat small drones and other hard-to-hit aerial targets. Complementing the gun are short-range guided missiles that expand the engagement envelope against helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and larger unmanned systems. This dual-effector approach significantly enhances battlefield survivability for maneuver forces operating in contested environments.

The strategic significance of the Skyranger has grown considerably across Europe. As nations reassess their air defence requirements in response to lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly the extensive use of drones and loitering munitions in Ukraine, demand for mobile ground-based air defence systems has accelerated. Rheinmetall reports increasing adoption of the Skyranger by NATO and European partners seeking to close critical capability gaps in short-range and very-short-range air defense.

With its combination of mobility, precision engagement, and adaptability, the Skyranger stands as one of the most advanced solutions currently available for protecting troops and critical infrastructure against emerging airborne threats, reinforcing Rheinmetall’s growing role in the modernization of European air defense capabilities.

Researchers in the United States have demonstrated a diesel engine system that can meet Tier 5 emissions standards proposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Developed by researchers from Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), the diesel engine system is designed to help off-highway diesel vehicles.

“CARB’s Tier 5 rules aim to reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions by a significant margin,” said Alex Michlberger, a lead engineer in SwRI’s Powertrain Engineering Division. “However, the industry doesn’t currently have a cost-effective solution to meet Tier 5. Our project is meant to help provide that solution.”

Optimized calibration strategies

SwRI-developed hardware modifications and optimized calibration strategies that allowed an off-road vehicle with a commercially available diesel engine to meet the standards without negatively affecting performance.  

Researchers also revealed an engine’s power level determines the allowable emissions for off-road vehicles. Most off-road engines operating between 19 and 56-kilowatts (kW) do not have a clear technical path for compliance with the new standards. Engines above the 56-kW threshold are expected to use emissions control technologies resembling those used by on-road vehicles, while applications currently using engines below 19 kW are expected to electrify. 

SwRI conducted extensive laboratory testing

It’s also revealed that SwRI conducted extensive laboratory testing on a commercially available 55-kW, four-cylinder diesel engine to identify potential Tier 5 solutions.

The project utilized exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) to mitigate NOx and other calibration strategies to control PM. This approach required both hardware and calibration modifications. To enable a higher EGR rate, the team modified the turbocharger waste gate control to increase boost, and they installed a higher capacity EGR cooler. The hardware and calibration changes together demonstrated low emissions while maintaining engine performance, according to a press release.

The team also revealed that SwRI’s improved system achieved the Tier 5 targets in both ramped modal cycle (RMC) and non-road transient cycle (NRTC) certification tests. The researchers compared NOx, non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) and PM emissions with the Tier 5 targets.

“In the RMC demonstrations, we saw NOx emissions reduced by 22%and NMHC by 56%, compared to the Tier 5 target. For the NRTC, we found NOx emissions reduced by 28%and NMHC by 50%, compared to the Tier 5 target,” Michlberger said. “In short, we achieved significant reductions in emissions with an innovative engine calibration and minimal hardware changes.”

The successful demonstration suggests that off-road vehicle manufacturers may not need to rely solely on costly new technologies or full electrification to meet future emissions requirements. Instead, carefully engineered hardware upgrades combined with advanced calibration techniques could provide a realistic pathway toward cleaner and more sustainable off-road transportation.

As emissions regulations continue to tighten worldwide, SwRI’s work highlights the important role of engineering innovation in helping industries reduce environmental impact while preserving performance, reliability, and economic feasibility.

A new type of radar to detect drones nearby ports, vessels, harbours, and critical maritime infrastructure has been introduced. Developed by Robin Radar Systems, IRIS OTM at Sea is designed for seamless land-to-sea deployments.

The new system is a major expansion of its IRIS On-The-Move (OTM) capability.

The comprehensive update is aimed at strengthening counter-UAS protection for shipping lanes, naval operations, and coastal assets. 

Offshore assets are exposed to low-cost aerial threats

“What we are seeing globally is that the drone threat is no longer confined to the battlefield or to land-based infrastructure. Shipping lanes, ports, harbours and offshore assets are now all exposed to low-cost aerial threats that can disrupt trade, damage infrastructure and threaten civilian safety,” said Siete Hamminga, CEO, Robin Radar Systems.

“The Strait of Hormuz has once again demonstrated how vulnerable critical maritime corridors can become during periods of instability. IRIS OTM at Sea is being designed to answer that challenge with a rapidly deployable, software-defined capability that can move seamlessly between land and sea.”

IRIS OTM at Sea will detect, track, and classify drones

Originally developed to operate from moving land vehicles traveling at speeds exceeding 62 mph (100km/h), IRIS On-The-Move will now be adapted for maritime environments through advanced software enhancements that compensate for sea clutter, vessel movement, and challenging coastal conditions, according to a press release.

Designed to be mounted on vessels, IRIS OTM at Sea will detect, track, and classify drones while travelling at speeds of up to 54 knots, operating effectively in extreme environments thanks to its salt- and corrosion-resistant engineering, resonance tolerance, and EMC-compliant architecture.Unlike traditional static radars, IRIS is designed to move with the threat itself, providing persistent situational awareness across highly dynamic environments, as per the release.

The company revealed that the radar’s software architecture will be updated to filter out heavy sea reflections and environmental clutter to isolate small airborne threats operating close to the waterline, an increasingly important capability as drone incursions continue to evolve across maritime theatres.

Robin Radar Systems highlighted that the maritime update has been shaped directly by operational lessons from ongoing live-fire environments, where the need for flexible, mobile counter-UAS systems capable of protecting dynamic environments has accelerated dramatically.  The company’s engineering teams reportedly adapted the system specifically to address the increasing use of fixed-wing drones and low-altitude aerial threats around strategic shipping corridors and maritime infrastructure.

“Modern security demands speed and flexibility. Operators need systems that can deploy quickly, integrate easily, and adapt as threats evolve,” said Vivien Croes, Chief Technical Officer, Robin Radar Systems.

“What makes this update important is that we are taking a combat-proven radar and extending its capabilities into one of the most operationally complex environments in the world. The future of counter-UAS is not static infrastructure, it is agile, mobile sensing systems capable of protecting people, critical infrastructure and global commerce wherever threats emerge.”

Researchers in the United States have built a technology that boosts the performance of electron microscopes. Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley physicists’ new technique offers detailed images of the small molecules and cell structures that are crucial to understanding biology and disease.

They have adapted the phase-contrast technique to cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), which has about 10,000 times the magnification of light microscopy. Their laser-based phase plate produces sharp images of molecules that today’s cutting-edge cryo-EM systems struggle to capture. 

The research team revealed that the new technology was brought to fruition by more than 15 years of theoretical and experimental work by leading microscopy scientists, collaboration with expert machinists, and support from Biohub.

More accurate atomic models of the molecules captured

The phase plate is paired with a new, custom Thermo Fisher Scientific microscope that was developed to maximize the benefit of the plate’s ultra-bright laser. Images taken by the system are notably clearer and sharper and contain greater detail that structure-solving software can process to generate more accurate atomic models of the molecules captured, according to a press release.

“Theia is the Formula 1 of microscopes. It has better resolution than the standard cryo-EM, even without the laser. With the addition of the laser phase plate, we hope that it really becomes one of the world’s best instruments overall,” said Holger Müller, a UC Berkeley professor of physics and faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab’s Biosciences Area who led the development effort.

“Before, studying structures with cryo-EM was like trying to look at paintings in a dark gallery. With Theia, it’s like the lights have been turned on for the first time.”

More accurate atomic models of the molecules captured

The team also demonstrated the system’s power by imaging aldolase, a protein in muscle that is relatively easy to capture with today’s cryo-EM machines, and hemoglobin — a protein that carries oxygen in blood. Hemoglobin is a smaller protein that sits at the lower size limit for current machines and is often used as a benchmark for cryo-EM performance. The laser-phase plate improved the resolution of the protein structure in both cases, but more so for the hemoglobin.

“We had a whole spectrum from larger particles that are not that challenging with extremely good specimen preparation to challenging small particles with bad preparation. Of course, the better the specimen, the less important it is that you have a top microscope. It was the most challenging ones is where we see the strongest improvements,” said Müller.

Team to expand microscope beyond single-particle analysis

The system is currently installed at UC Berkeley, and the team is now working to expand the microscope beyond single-particle analysis to perform a newer technique referred to as cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).

Similar to how CT (computed tomography) scans at the hospital generate images of body parts, cryo-ET assembles different angular views of a molecule or cellular structure into a 3D image. Cryo-ET will provide a huge leap in scientists’ ability to study cellular processes because it captures molecules in their natural states inside cells, unlike single-particle cryo-EM, and offers much higher resolution than light microscopy, as per the release.

A German company has completed the final assembly of a new unmanned aircraft system.

Called AeroForce X prototype, Aerodata AG’s aircraft has reached an important milestone and is moving on to the next phase as scheduled.

The prototype’s first  flight is scheduled to take place in Germany this year.

Closer to operational reality

“This milestone takes AeroForce X a huge step closer to operational reality,” said Ole Vörsmann, General Manager for Unmanned Systems.

“Now that final assembly has been successfully completed, we look forward to thoroughly testing the prototype during the upcoming test phases.”

The company also revealed that the MALE-class (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) unmanned aircraft system stands out in particular for its long endurance of up to 40 hours and a payload capacity of up to 1,300 kg. Thanks to its modular platform design, AeroForce X can be flexibly configured and deployed in combination with existing manned reconnaissance aircraft for a wide range of missions.

Aerodata AG will be exhibiting at the ILA Berlin from June 10 to 14, according to a press release.

Intended to address a broad range of surveillance

Reports have revealed that AeroForce X is intended to address a broad range of surveillance, reconnaissance, and mission-support requirements. One of its standout features is an endurance capability of up to 40 hours, enabling extended missions without the need for frequent landings or refueling. The platform is also engineered to carry payloads of up to 1,300 kilograms, providing considerable flexibility for various sensor packages and mission equipment.

A defining characteristic of AeroForce X is its modular architecture. The aircraft can be configured for different operational scenarios and integrated alongside manned reconnaissance platforms. This approach allows operators to tailor the system to mission-specific requirements while benefiting from coordinated manned-unmanned operations.

The development reflects the growing demand for advanced unmanned aerial systems capable of delivering long-duration surveillance and intelligence-gathering capabilities. By combining significant endurance, high payload capacity, and adaptable mission configurations, AeroForce X aims to position itself as a versatile solution for both governmental and commercial operators.

With the prototype now assembled and flight testing on the horizon, Aerodata has entered one of the most important phases of the program. The upcoming test campaign will be closely watched as the company seeks to demonstrate the operational potential of AeroForce X and strengthen its position in the rapidly evolving unmanned aviation sector.

Aerodata has emphasized a modular design philosophy for AeroForce X. Rather than being limited to a single role, the platform is intended to support various mission configurations through adaptable payload bays and mission systems. This approach allows operators to customize the aircraft according to evolving operational requirements, potentially reducing lifecycle costs and improving mission effectiveness.

The maiden flight, expected later this year in Germany, will serve as a crucial benchmark for the program. Beyond proving basic flight characteristics, the test campaign will evaluate aircraft handling, endurance, mission systems integration, and overall operational performance.