Shield AI Revives 30-Year-Old F-16 Engine Tech for Autonomous Fighter Jet

Today’s defense news highlights significant strides in autonomous military technology and ongoing geopolitical monitoring.

Shield AI Revives F-16 Engine Tech for Autonomous Jet

Defense One reports that Shield AI is utilizing three-decade-old General Electric F-16 engine technology to power its new X-BAT vertical takeoff and landing autonomous fighter jet prototype. GE Aerospace’s axisymmetric vectoring exhaust nozzle (AVEN), originally designed for the F-16, was refurbished for this project, saving development time and accelerating flight testing. Engineers have rewritten the software code for the AVEN nozzle, integrating it with the F110 engine, with a tethered vertical flight test planned by year-end to demonstrate stable hovering. Analysis: This approach leverages existing, proven technology to rapidly advance new autonomous aircraft capabilities.

US Navy Certifies Rolls-Royce MTU Engines for Autonomous Ships

Naval News reports that the U.S. Navy has certified Rolls-Royce MTU Series 4000 and Series 2000 marine engines for autonomous naval vessel operations. The Series 4000 engines passed two 720-hour durability tests, qualifying them for up to 4,300 kilowatts of propulsion power and 3,000 kilowatts of electrical power generation. The Series 2000 was certified based on component testing and field operation, available for propulsion up to 1,939 kilowatts. These certifications meet the 2021-2026 National Defense Authorization Act’s requirement for unmanned systems to operate for 30 days at sea without human intervention or maintenance.

U.S. Navy Demonstrates Robotic At-Sea Refueling

Naval News reports the U.S. Navy successfully demonstrated at-sea refueling of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) using a robotic towed connector. A Navy-industry team conducted dozens of full-cycle capture, refuel, and release exercises at sea, transferring 400 gallons of fuel to the T38 USV. This capability is crucial for extending the persistence of USVs and their sensors during critical testing of advanced long-range capabilities, such as hypersonic and precision long-range fires. It also reduces reliance on crewed support ships and allows for greater distribution of capability without investing in large, expensive manned vessels.

Poland Receives More F-35A Fighters

Overt Defense reports that Poland has received five additional F-35A Lightning II fighters, bringing its total to eight as part of a 2020 contract for 32 jets. These advanced stealth aircraft, named ‘Husarz,’ modernize Poland’s air force and strengthen NATO’s air power on the eastern flank. The F-35A’s stealth design, powerful sensors, and modern weapons provide Polish pilots with a significant information and combat advantage. Poland expects 14 F-35As by the end of 2026, with the full fleet anticipated around 2029.

NATO Shadows Russian Naval Activity

Defence Blog reports that NATO’s Allied Maritime Command is continuously monitoring Russian naval activity from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Standing NATO Maritime Group Two is tracking Russian vessels transiting the Mediterranean, with a social media post showing a Russian Ka-27 naval helicopter near a NATO warship. This shadowing has led to public incidents, including the Italian frigate Virginio Fasan tracking the Russian Kilo-class submarine Krasnodar and the destroyer Severomorsk. NATO describes these actions as routine maritime security operations, emphasizing constant vigilance across its northern and southern flanks.

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