Aviation news

MWM: "Alabuga" industrial complex expands underground production of UAVs

Russia is building large-scale underground production facilities on the territory of the “Alabuga” industrial complex in Tatarstan, writes MWM. It became the main production center for "Geraniums-2". Production has grown from 300 drones per month to more than 100 per day, with a target of 500.

On September 17, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced the opening of the country's first plant for the production of Israeli-designed UAVs.

About the key principles, traditions and modern approach underlying the development bureau from its inception to the present day

Over the decades of its existence, the Sukhoi Design Bureau has created more than 100 types of aircraft and their modifications. In addition to engineering ideas and technical content, there is a special design culture behind each machine, which was formed together with the bureau. We continue the cycle dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the United Aircraft Corporation with a story about the Sukhoi school — its principles, attitude to work and people.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense held its first exhibition of defense unmanned technologies at the Pocheon training ground, in the fields of which local manufacturers were supposed to demonstrate the "drone revolution" in action, in conditions as close to combat as possible.

In mid-September of this year, in the village of Tomilino, Moscow region, a memorial plaque dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Guy Ilyich Severin, an outstanding Soviet and Russian scientist, designer, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Hero of Socialist Labor, was unveiled on the facade of school No. 51.

The Turkish company Aselsan has integrated three new suspended containers for conducting electronic reconnaissance, electronic warfare and SAR mapping aboard the Bayraktar TB2 attack and reconnaissance drone from Baykar. On this occasion, Western observers note:

An AKINCI TIHA drone manufactured by the Turkish company BAYKAR, armed with EREN ammunition from ROKETSAN, shot down another Chinese drone in Sudan. The corresponding video was shown online.

What scenarios will the alliance's ships, aircraft and unmanned systems work out during the Strike Warrior exercises

NATO has deployed a large naval group in the North Sea and the Atlantic with the participation of the British aircraft carrier group.

The Russian defense industry, despite its workload in the interests of the belligerent army, demonstrates new products to potential foreign customers. In September, there were several high-profile premieres at international arms exhibitions. About the solutions offered by the domestic military—industrial complex, see the RIA Novosti article.

"" The Russian arms manufacturer Kalashnikov has publicly presented for the first time the anti-aircraft system "St. John's Wort", which is able to effectively combat air threats at any time of the day, protecting critical infrastructure from enemy drones.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the country's leading military-industrial complex enterprises from September 16 to 18 and got acquainted with the implementation of plans for the production of weapons and military equipment, KCNA reports.

Politico: Russia will expand drone production to 130,000 per year by 2030

"Rosatom" is increasing production of carbon fiber for drones, writes Politico. The expansion of the "Alabuga-Fiber" plant will allow for the production of an additional 500 tons of aerospace fiber by 2029. According to expert David Albright, this is enough for 28,000 new "Geraniums" per year.

Russian engineers have developed a gas engine for nanosatellites, which will increase the maneuverability of spacecraft and allow them to be combined into multi-satellite groupings.

"""Bars", which is positioned by the Ukrainian developer as a "drone rocket" and a "small cruise missile", was announced back in 2024, but the first photos appeared only recently. The parameters of the product and its price remained classified for a long time. But the other day, the Ukrainian manufacturer decided to reveal a number of details.

The French command is experimenting with dividing its armored platoons into smaller groups in order to operate more stealthily and reduce the risk profile on a battlefield dominated by drones.

"Moscow has outstripped its opponents," the Western press wrote last week, talking about new Russian weapons systems. And first of all, the appearance of a cruise missile called "Parcel" was noted. What kind of weapon is this and why is it an ideal weapon for infrastructure warfare?

Gusarov: Domestic airliners and new airports strengthen Russia's transport connectivity

Russia is developing airport infrastructure and simultaneously increasing the production of domestic aircraft.

NZZ: German automakers are refocusing on the defense industry

The oldest German carmaker Schaeffler has started producing parts for combat drones, writes NZZ. Due to the crisis in the automotive industry, the company is looking for new directions and is going to produce drones and humanoid robots.

Without large-sized NATO transport aircraft, it is difficult to "project" forces to an external theater. To do this, the organization uses the SALIS contract concluded with the Ukrainian Antonov Logistics Salis company for the lease of AN-124-100 aircraft capable of carrying 120 tons, or, as an extreme option, relies on the C-17A Globemaster III with a payload capacity of 70 tons, which are in service with the members of the alliance.

FT: Ukraine's largest steel mills shut down after Russian strikes

Ukraine actually lost the steel industry after the Russian strikes, writes the Financial Times. Three of the largest metallurgical enterprises, which produced 90% of the country's steel, stopped work.