Airbus Defence and Space’s Zephyr, a new breed of solar-powered aircraft designed to circle in the Earth’s stratosphere, is set to take to the skies in 2017. Able to launch, land and re-deploy like a hand-launched unmanned aerial vehicle, the high-altitude pseudo-satellite promises consistent, satellite-like Earth observation and communication services – at a fraction of the cost.

The post A look inside Zephyr, Airbus’s new high-altitude spy pseudo-satellite appeared first on Army Technology.

Reflecting the climate of concern around the now ever-present threat of cyber attacks, BAE Systems is to recruit 80 graduates into its cyber security business in 2017, a number which represents almost one third of this year’s graduate intake. Claire Apthorp caught up with BAE’s head of global talent Christina Kimberley to find out more about the programme and the skills these graduates will need to acquire.

The post Talking cyber security skills with BAE appeared first on Army Technology.

In this issue: The EU army that isn’t an army, BAE Systems on cyber security skills, innovation in explosive trace detection, Airbus’ high-altitude pseudo-satellite, the UK’s $1bn deal for US-built Predator B aircraft, piracy in Somalia after Operation Ocean Shield, and more.

The post Global Defence Technology: Issue 74 appeared first on Army Technology.

“Keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down” – that was how NATO’s first Secretary General, Lord Ismay, famously characterised the purpose of the newly founded organisation. Roll on nearly seventy years and with a more introspective US administration running and a reunited Germany calling for a single European army, the objectives seem much less clear.

The post NATO: in need of an overhaul? appeared first on Army Technology.

Boeing has secured a $3.4bn contract to deliver AH-64E Apache helicopters to the US Army and Saudi Arabia, and a Patriot long-range air defence system was used by an American ally to shoot down a small quadcopter drone. Army-technology.com wraps up the key headlines from March 2017.

The post March’s top stories: Boeing wins $3.4bn Apache helicopters contract, US ally uses Patriot missile appeared first on Army Technology.

Boston Dynamics recently unveiled its latest creation, a two-wheeled robot named Handle built to hurdle obstacles at speed. Claire Apthorp reports on this leap in robotics and considers whether, with the company reportedly up for sale, the designs will ever make it into development for military customers.

The post Hitting the track with Boston Dynamics’ Handle appeared first on Army Technology.

In an evolving frontline environment, are K9 dog detection squads still the best option, and will it be new technologies like ETD that really make a difference? Simon Williams and Nicholas Dale find out.

The post With today’s advanced explosive detectors, is it time to retire the K9? appeared first on Army Technology.

Directed energy weapons (DEWs) are fast shaping up to be the ‘must-have’ arms for the mid-21st century, and while developments in the US may have stolen much of the limelight in recent years, every military worth its salt is working towards bringing DEW capability into service. Dr Gareth Evans reports.

The post Dragonfire: the road to battlefield ready laser weaponry appeared first on Army Technology.

Sixty-six years almost to the day after the idea of a European army was first floated, the EU passed a controversial resolution to establish a European Defence Union, which might finally pave the way for comprehensive and complete military integration. Dr Gareth Evans reports.

The post The EU’s new non-combatant army appeared first on Army Technology.

Powering remote military structures and installations in hostile areas far away from reliable diesel fuel convoys is a critical capability and one that is drawing significant funding and innovation. Claire Apthorp speaks to lithium battery manufacturer Enerdel, which is part of a team developing innovative power conversion technologies to create a hybrid solar battery and storage system for the US Air Force.

The post Under the skin of a made-for-military microgrid appeared first on Army Technology.