Latest news with #AirbusDefence
Euractiv
24-07-2025
- Business
- Euractiv
Germany, France pledge to settle row over FCAS fighter jet by year end
BERLIN – The German and French defence ministers sought to downplay tensions over the European FCAS next-generation fighter jet programme at a meeting on Thursday, but made clear that major questions around the project must be answered before the close of 2025. France's Sébastien Lecornu and Germany's Boris Pistorius both expressed their support for the programme, which also includes Spain and has been riven by conflict between top aerospace contractors, particularly France's Dassault Aviation and Germany's Airbus Defence. "We want to clarify the situation at FCAS by the end of the year. We will need to discuss the obstacles," Pistorius said. Lecornu said the FCAS programme is approaching "the moment of truth" as development move toward building a prototype of the fighter jet, "and of course there are many issues that need to be clarified". Conflict over FCAS burst into public this summer as Dassault's CEO lobbed criticism at key partners in the project, while executives at Airbus Defence fired back. Media reports that Dassault was seeking to reconfigure contracts to take a greater share of the programme triggered further wrangling over the project. "It comes as no surprise in large-scale projects that some of the companies involved not only have a wealth of expertise, but also their own interests and their own will," Pistorius said on Thursday. "We knew that from the outset." The German defence minister said both countries remain "completely clear and unanimous" in their support for FCAS, as well as the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) effort to develop a next-generation main battle tank. His French counterpart, however, sought to keep the future tank programme – in which German defence contractors are taking the lead – separate from the FCAS issue, saying it was a project with a very different timeline and set of agreements. The overriding concern for France and Germany, Lecornu contended, is whether the FCAS project can deliver a fully capable aircraft by 2040, the project's current target delivery date. For the French Air Force, Lecornu noted, those capabilities will include carrying nuclear weapons. "Project management requires a clear organisational structure of the companies' responsibilities and accountabilities," the French minister said. "We are putting a lot on the line with FCAS." Lecornu said that the sprawling complexity of the project – involving numerous contractors – "is of course a weak point, as we may not be able to keep to the schedule." "But the Chinese and others (...) will not wait for us. And if we lose time here with lengthy discussions, then a major battle will already have begun. In 2040, we will either be at the forefront or we will be left behind," he said. "We have developed various scenarios that we will present to the chancellor and the president for a decision." (jp)
Sustainability Times
23-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They're Sure It's Not From Earth': Scientists Analyze Mysterious Metal Object With Properties Unknown to Human Technology
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 Scientists at the European Space Agency have created the first metallic object in space using a 3D printer aboard the ISS. have created the first metallic object in space using a 3D printer aboard the ISS. 🔬 The project, a collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space , aims to enhance autonomy in future space missions. , aims to enhance autonomy in future space missions. 🌌 Understanding the effects of microgravity on 3D printing is crucial for developing sustainable space infrastructure. on 3D printing is crucial for developing sustainable space infrastructure. 🔧 This technology could revolutionize space exploration by allowing on-demand production of spare parts and tools in space. In a groundbreaking achievement, a small metallic object, produced outside of Earth, has captured the attention of scientists at the European Space Agency (ESA). This represents a monumental step forward in space exploration, as it showcases the potential for creating necessary components on-site in space. This innovation, achieved through a collaboration between Airbus Defence and Space and the ESA, involves the use of a metal 3D printer aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The implications of this technology are vast, potentially changing the way we approach long-term space missions and the development of infrastructure in orbit. The First Metallic Object Made in Space The ESA has recently made history by bringing back to Earth the first-ever metallic object created entirely in space. Utilizing a sophisticated metal 3D printer, developed in collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, the object was fabricated aboard the ISS. This pioneering achievement was made possible through the installation and operation of the printer by astronaut Andreas Mogensen in the Columbus module. The printer initially completed a test print in the shape of an 'S' curve before successfully producing two complete samples. This remarkable milestone demonstrates the evolving capabilities of 3D printing technology, highlighting its potential for enhancing autonomy in space missions. The successful production of these metallic samples marks a significant advancement in the field of space technology. By understanding how microgravity affects the 3D printing process, scientists can refine this technology for future missions. The ability to create tools and components on-demand in space could drastically reduce the reliance on supply missions from Earth, paving the way for more sustainable and independent operations in the cosmos. 'Water Found Beyond Earth': Scientists Confirm It Formed Moments After the Big Bang in a Stunning Cosmic Revelation The Role of Microgravity in 3D Printing One of the critical areas of investigation for ESA scientists is the effect of microgravity on the 3D printing process. Unlike on Earth, where gravity aids in the deposition of materials, space presents unique challenges. In the absence of gravity, the behavior of metal powders used in 3D printing changes significantly. Special systems are required to manage and direct these powders precisely, ensuring accurate and reliable production of components. The technology employed in space is similar to terrestrial 3D printing techniques, involving the use of a laser to melt metal powder layer by layer to create solid objects. However, adapting these techniques for use in microgravity involves considerable innovation in both materials and design. This adaptation is crucial for the development of future missions, where on-demand production of parts could provide immense logistical and economic benefits. 'Super-Earth Could Host Life': Stunning New Planet Found in Habitable Zone Ignites Hopes of a Second Earth Beyond Our Solar System Implications for Future Space Missions The successful implementation of metal 3D printing in space holds transformative potential for future space missions. By enabling the in-situ production of spare parts and tools, space missions can become more self-sufficient, reducing dependency on Earth-based resupply missions. This self-sufficiency is particularly vital for deep space exploration missions, where resupply from Earth is not feasible due to distance and cost. Looking ahead, the successful analysis and application of this technology could lead to more ambitious projects, such as the construction of entire structures in orbit. These advancements could revolutionize how we think about space infrastructure and exploration, making long-term habitation and exploration more viable. Additionally, this technology exemplifies the power of collaboration between space agencies and industry leaders to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. 'Lost City Rises Again': Submerged Indian Metropolis Stuns Archaeologists and Forces a Rethink of All Human Civilization Timelines Challenges and Innovations in Space-Based 3D Printing While the potential benefits of space-based 3D printing are immense, the technology is not without its challenges. Developing printers capable of operating in the harsh conditions of space requires significant innovations in design and materials. The systems must be robust enough to handle the unique environmental factors of space, such as radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, the precision required to manage and manipulate metal powders in microgravity necessitates cutting-edge technological solutions. Despite these challenges, the ability to produce components on-demand in space represents a significant leap forward in space technology. By sending digital plans from Earth, astronauts can manufacture necessary items as needed, reducing the logistic burden of carrying a large inventory of spare parts. In the final analysis, the advent of metal 3D printing in space is a testament to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of progress. It raises important questions about the future of space exploration: How will these advancements change our approach to colonizing other planets? Will this technology unlock new possibilities for human habitation beyond Earth? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (28)
Business Insider
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Insider
Israel's trying to wipe out Iran's nuke program. It won't be an easy kill.
Israel launched an air assault against Iran early Friday morning that officials said is intended to damage Tehran's nuclear program. Hundreds of Israeli warplanes participated in a series of widespread airstrikes targeting sites associated with Iran's nuclear and missile programs, as well as military leaders and air defense systems, in a major escalation that has already drawn a retaliatory attack from Tehran. Specifically, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his forces "struck at the heart" of the country's nuclear enrichment and weaponization programs, and targeted its main enrichment facility at Natanz. The extent of the damage is unclear so far, but analysts said it appeared to be limited based on satellite imagery. Netanyahu had long pushed for a military approach to Iran's nuclear program, as opposed to the deal that the Trump administration was hoping to settle to prevent Tehran from building nuclear weapons. Iran has said that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes. However, military and nuclear experts say firepower alone won't be enough to completely wipe out Iran's nuclear program. It has many scientists with nuclear expertise and has stored its most critical facilities in bunkers buried deep underground. This makes the facilities particularly challenging targets that, from the air, can only be reached by the largest bunker busters, which Israel lacks, or repeated strikes in the same spots. Natanz, home to Iran's largest uranium enrichment site, is located several floors underground in the center of the country. The Israel Defense Forces said its airstrikes damaged an underground area of the facility that contains an enrichment hall with centrifuges, electrical rooms, and additional infrastructure. Satellite imagery captured on Friday revealed what appears to be significant damage at Natanz, but only on the surface. Overnight, Israeli strikes reportedly targeted strategic Iranian sites, including the Natanz nuclear facility, Iran's primary center for uranium enrichment. High-resolution imagery from @AirbusDefence, captured on June 13, 2025, reveals significant damage to the facility. — Open Source Centre (@osc_london) June 13, 2025 Iran's other main enrichment site, Fordow, is buried even deeper in the side of a mountain and is the country's most "hardened" facility, said Darya Dolzikova, a senior research fellow for proliferation and nuclear policy at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute think tank. In comments shared with Business Insider, Dolzikova said Fordow has not been affected by the Israeli strikes, nor have other locations. "Should Iran make a decision to produce a nuclear weapon, it would likely do that at hardened and potentially still secret sites," she said. It's unclear what air-to-ground munitions Israel used to strike Natanz and the other targets affiliated with Iran's nuclear program. However, it would take a very large bunker-buster bomb to reach underground and destroy the more hardened sites. The likely best weapon for the job is the US military's GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, one of the most powerful non-nuclear bombs and the largest bunker buster in America's arsenal at 15 tons. These munitions can only be carried by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the B-21 Raider in development. Israel doesn't have bomber aircraft capable of carrying the largest bunker-buster munitions. The IDF shared footage showing its fighter jets — F-35s, F-16s, and F-15s — taking off and landing during the strikes. Weapons experts pointed out that some of the aircraft appear to be carrying 2,000-pound guided bombs. Israel's F-15I, though, can carry 4,000-pound anti-bunker bombs. Military analysts with RUSI estimated in March that the Fordow site could be as deep as 260 feet underground, likely beyond the reach of even America's MOP. Damaging it would almost certainly require repeated strikes, likely over days or weeks. US officials said Washington was not involved in the Israeli strikes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Iran not to retaliate against American forces in the region, something Tehran and its allies have done in the past. The US Navy has one aircraft carrier and six surface warships in the Middle East right now. These assets are capable of providing air defense in the event of a larger Iranian response. So far, Tehran has retaliated by launching dozens of drones at Israel. Beyond the nuclear sites, Israeli officials said forces also went after other high-profile Iranian targets, including its top scientists, senior military commanders, air defenses, and ballistic missile program.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Full scale of Op Spiderweb devastation laid bare as satellite pix show prized Putin jets in RUINS after $7bn drone blitz
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE FULL extent of Ukraine's devastating drone blitz on airfields inside Russia has been laid bare by new satellite pictures. Masterful Operation Spiderweb inflicted $7billion worth of damage, and left Putin's precious fleet of bombers in tatters. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Shadows of scorched earth are all that remain on Putin's bombers at this airfield Credit: @AirbusDefence 8 This bomber was smashed to smithereens by the cheap Ukrainian drones Credit: AFP 8 The Belaya airfield bares the scars of the drone blitz Credit: @Planet and @AirbusDefence 8 Stunning satellite photos show patches of scorched earth where valuable Russian jets one lay. The debris has been hastily swept away - perhaps an attempt to conceal the scale of the destruction. Elsewhere, wreckages of warplanes blown to pieces remain on the tarmac, with fragments strewn across the runway. The covert drone plot - 18 months in the planning - targeted four airfields deep inside Russia, and is reminiscent of the most daring raids of the WW2 that turned the tide against the Nazis. Volodymyr Zelensky oversaw the operation and said: "It's genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. "We will continue this work." Putin's doomsday bomber fleet was crippled with 41 - a third of the total - of his most prized aircraft lying in smouldering wrecks on tarmac. Ukraine said the sneak attack was worth $7bn (£5.2bn) in damage to Russia - caused by just 117 cheaply made drones. Following the humiliating and costly blow, Putin's stooges came out and accused a Ukrainian ex-DJ of being the mastermind. Desperate to save face, Russian war bloggers named the man they believe was pulling the leavers as Artem Timofeev. Dramatic moment Putin's 'war hero' who led slaughter of Mariupol is killed in mysterious suicide bomb attack Artem, 37, is a former Ukrainian DJ. Putin's sleuths think they have identified that he owned the lorries used to carry the containers to the strikes. Alleged drivers who transported the crates and were tracked down by the bloggers all had similar stories about taking instruction from an "Artem", the Daily Mail reports. They appeared to have thought they were transporting wooden frame houses, but instead they moved kamikaze drones into strike position. 8 Ukraine hit bombers at the Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk Credit: East2West 8 Ukraine released photos of the drones in the crates taken from inside Russia Credit: Unpixs 8 A still from first-person-footage of the drone blasts Credit: Ukrainian Armed Forces The drones and the containers were smuggled into Russia and then pieced together right under Vlad's nose. Clueless lorry drivers then parked the containers next to Russian airbases - where they sat and waited in plain sight. Zelensky said the drivers were led far away from their vehicles - as Ukraine looked to hide those involved being captured and interrogated the FSB. Then, on the morning of June 1, the fleet of flying bombs rose over the far reaches of Russia - and the most daring military operation of the war began. Nondescript shipping containers parked in laybys and verges had attracted little attention - before their lids blew open and the drone swarms poured out. Russian civilians stood in awe as they saw the drones zoom out of the containers and head in the direction of the airbase. The craft buzzed as they took off into the air and only had to travel a short distance to their valuable targets. Each of the 117 drones had their own dedicated pilot and Russia had little defences to protect their bases and stop them. One hapless Russian soldier stationed at an air base recorded himself standing just meters from several burning wrecks.
The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Full scale of Op Spiderweb devastation laid bare as satellite pix show prized Putin jets in RUINS after $7bn drone blitz
THE FULL extent of Ukraine's devastating drone blitz on airfields inside Russia has been laid bare by new satellite pictures. Advertisement 8 Shadows of scorched earth are all that remain on Putin's bombers at this airfield Credit: @AirbusDefence 8 This bomber was smashed to smithereens by the cheap Ukrainian drones Credit: AFP 8 The Belaya airfield bares the scars of the drone blitz Credit: @Planet and @AirbusDefence 8 Stunning satellite photos show patches of scorched earth where valuable Russian jets one lay. The debris has been hastily swept away - perhaps an attempt to conceal the scale of the destruction. Elsewhere, wreckages of warplanes blown to pieces remain on the tarmac, with fragments strewn across the runway. he most daring raids of the WW2 that turned the tide against the Nazis . Advertisement read more in world news Volodymyr Zelensky oversaw the operation and said: "It's genuinely satisfying when something I authorized a year and six months ago comes to fruition and deprives Russians of over forty units of strategic aviation. "We will continue this work." Putin's doomsday bomber fleet was crippled with 41 - a third of the total - of his most prized aircraft lying in smouldering wrecks on tarmac. Ukraine said the sneak attack was worth $7bn (£5.2bn) in damage to Russia - caused by just 117 cheaply made drones . Advertisement Most read in The US Sun Following the humiliating and costly blow, Putin's stooges came out and Desperate to save face, Russian war bloggers named the man they believe was pulling the leavers as Artem Timofeev. Dramatic moment Putin's 'war hero' who led slaughter of Mariupol is killed in mysterious suicide bomb attack Artem, 37, is a former Ukrainian DJ. Putin's sleuths think they have identified that he owned the lorries used to carry the containers to the strikes . Advertisement Alleged drivers who transported the crates and were tracked down by the bloggers all had similar stories about taking instruction from an "Artem", the . They appeared to have thought they were transporting wooden frame houses, but instead they moved kamikaze drones into strike position. 8 Ukraine hit bombers at the Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk Credit: East2West 8 Ukraine released photos of the drones in the crates taken from inside Russia Credit: Unpixs Advertisement 8 A still from first-person-footage of the drone blasts Credit: Ukrainian Armed Forces The drones and the containers were smuggled into Russia and then pieced together right under Vlad's nose. Clueless lorry drivers then parked the containers next to Russian airbases - where they sat and waited in plain sight. Zelensky said the drivers were led far away from their vehicles - as Ukraine looked to hide those involved being captured and interrogated the FSB. Advertisement Then, on the morning of June 1, the fleet of flying bombs rose over the far reaches of Russia - and the most daring military operation of the war began. Nondescript shipping containers parked in laybys and verges had attracted little attention - before their lids blew open and the drone swarms poured out. Russian civilians stood in awe as they saw the drones zoom out of the containers and head in the direction of the airbase. The craft buzzed as they took off into the air and only had to travel a short distance to their valuable targets. Advertisement Each of the 117 drones had their own dedicated pilot and Russia had little defences to protect their bases and stop them. One hapless Russian soldier stationed at an air base recorded himself standing just meters from several burning wrecks. 8 Russian Belaya Air Base in Irkutsk region, Siberia, was ablaze Credit: East2West
