World military today (July 24): Asgard combat system...

The world military today (July 24) has the following content: The British Navy deploys the warship HMS Stirling Castle; UAE introduces the Shadow 50 UAV at IDEF 2025; the Asgard combat system will have 10 times more firepower.

* British Navy deploys warship HMS Stirling Castle

The Royal Navy has officially added a new warship to its fleet, the HMS Stirling Castle, to modernize its mine-clearing and critical infrastructure protection capabilities.

Formerly known as RFA Stirling Castle, the ship was commissioned into the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) and has since undergone conversion and formal status in the Royal Navy. Now, as a fully commissioned warship, HMS Stirling Castle will be taking part in frontline duties.

HMS Stirling Castle (M01) is a dedicated minesweeper and symbolises the Royal Navy's strategic shift towards autonomous and remotely controlled systems. Photo: Ministry of Defence

HMS Stirling Castle (M01) is a dedicated mine countermeasures ship and represents a strategic shift by the Royal Navy in the application of automated and remotely controlled systems. The ship is 96.8m long, has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes, has a helicopter flight deck, is equipped with 4 Bergen diesel engines and a directional propeller system, providing high maneuverability. The ship is also equipped with unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles and cranes capable of lifting loads of up to 10 tonnes, serving the deployment and recovery of these systems.

HMS Stirling Castle plays a vital role in protecting the UK and allied waters from underwater threats, particularly mines. Specially designed to prepare, deploy and recover autonomous systems, the ship is a major step forward in the UK’s naval strategy to remove the need for human operators in mine-hit areas and to enhance the protection of vital undersea infrastructure.

* UAE unveils Shadow 50 UAV at IDEF 2025

At the International Defense Industry Exhibition Turkey 2025 (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul, ADASI, a subsidiary of the UAE's EDGE Group, introduced the Shadow 50, a suicide unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to provide armed forces with long-range precision strike capabilities.

In terms of combat, the Shadow 50 is suitable for small-scale interception or attack missions to weaken command posts, radar systems or logistics depots. Photo: Army Recognition

This unmanned platform was developed to neutralize fixed targets with its long-endurance capability, significant payload and advanced guidance system. Designed for the modern combat environment, the Shadow 50 combines long range, air-to-ground capability and high precision to meet the tactical requirements of today's conflicts.

The Shadow 50 is equipped with an advanced navigation system and integrated video positioning system, allowing for precision strikes. It has a range of 250km and a continuous flight time of up to 9 hours, allowing it to maintain a presence over or near the target area for extended periods of time. The Shadow 50's target tracking system uses a combination of GNSS navigation, optical guidance and image positioning, ensuring high reliability even in jammed or hostile electromagnetic environments.

Technically, the Shadow 50 has a wingspan of 3.47m, a length of 2.13m and a maximum take-off weight of 135kg. The UAV has a flight ceiling of about 3,810m and a data transmission range of 100km, ensuring a stable connection with the operator throughout the mission.

In terms of operations, the streamlined aerodynamic design and flexible deployment capabilities allow the Shadow 50 to be launched from remote areas or mobile platforms, including harsh environments or semi-urban areas.

* Asgard combat system has 10 times more firepower on the battlefield

The British Army has unveiled a new high-tech combat system called Asgard, designed to fundamentally change the way it detects, locates and attacks enemy forces.

Seen as a decisive step forward in digital warfare, the system aims to reshape long-range strike capabilities by dramatically reducing decision-making time on the battlefield.

The Asgard combat system represents the UK Ministry of Defence's efforts to build a unified digital architecture across the armed forces by 2027. Photo: UK Ministry of Defence

Through the integration of artificial intelligence, secure communications systems and connectivity platforms, Asgard is expected to improve targeting accuracy and enhance the combat response capabilities of deployed units.

The Asgard system, which has just entered service after successful trials in Estonia, allows soldiers to identify and neutralize targets at much greater ranges than before. It operates through a digital network of sensors, surveillance equipment, connected weapons, automation technology and real-time data analysis. According to predictions from the British Army's leadership, these advances could increase lethality tenfold over the next decade.

Inspired by the “recce-strike” model used by Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, the UK has developed a similar system and is now deploying it to its forward forces in Estonia. The “recce-strike” concept revolves around the ability to observe and hit targets beyond visual range. In this context, Asgard brings three key innovations: a mobile data system for the tactical level, a DART 250 missile with three times the range of current UK ground-launched weapons systems, and a mission support network designed to accelerate the digital target chain. Asgard marks a shift towards a form of warfare based on information superiority and the interconnection of digital systems.

QUYNH OANH (synthesis)

* Today's World Military column on the People's Army Electronic Newspaper sends readers the latest information on world military security and defense activities in the past 24 hours.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-24-7-he-thong-tac-chien-asgard-se-co-hoa-luc-manh-gap-10-lan-383452.html