Daily Brief - AIM-260 Missile Testing Accelerates.

Your daily strategic update on defense innovation, technology, and the future of warfare. Here is what we’ve got for you today:

• Live-fire testing of the AIM-260 next-generation air-to-air missile surged in 2024, with U.S. Navy support.

• Leonardo forecasts a $6.6 billion boost from rising European defense budgets, strengthening its market position.

• Drones strike Moscow ahead of Ukraine peace talks, escalating tensions before high-stakes negotiations.

• Turkey's Aselsan tests laser-based counter-drone system, enhancing its air defense capabilities.

📰 Critical Headline

AIM-260 Next-Gen Air-to-Air Missile Testing Surged in 2024
Live-fire testing of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) significantly increased last year, with the U.S. Navy playing a key role in its development and evaluation. The AIM-260, designed to outperform China’s PL-15 and replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM, is set to provide U.S. and allied aircraft with a longer-range, high-speed engagement capability. The surge in testing signals accelerated integration into frontline fighter fleets.

🌍 Situation Report

• Leonardo Expects $6.6 Billion Revenue Surge from European Defense Spending: Italy’s Leonardo projects a significant revenue boost as European governments ramp up defense budgets. Increased funding for air defense, electronic warfare, and next-gen combat aircraft is driving demand for Leonardo’s fighter jets, radars, and avionics.
  

• Drone Strikes Target Moscow as Ukraine Peace Talks Approach: A coordinated drone attack struck multiple sites in Moscow, just days before planned Ukraine peace talks. The strikes highlight ongoing escalation despite diplomatic efforts, reinforcing the increasing role of drone warfare in modern conflicts.

• AIM-260 Missile Testing Accelerates with Navy Assistance: Testing of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) ramped up significantly last year, with Navy test assets supporting the program. The missile is designed to counter China’s PL-15 and replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM, giving U.S. forces an edge in beyond-visual-range air combat.

🎥 Recon Feed

🔍 Intel Spotlight

DoD Expands Software Acquisition Training for Modern Warfare Needs
The Department of Defense is expanding training for its Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP), ensuring faster, more agile procurement of mission-critical software systems. The initiative aims to equip acquisition teams with updated policies and frameworks, improving efficiency in AI, cyber, and digital warfare capabilities.

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📜 Words of Valor

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."
— Peter Drucker

📬 Final Word

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