World military today (August 6): Russia mass produces vehicles...

The world military today (August 6) has the following information: The US introduces the V-BAT 128 unmanned aircraft; Japan will provide 11 Mogami-class stealth destroyers to Australia; Russia mass-produces Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicles.

* US introduces V-BAT 128 drone

At the F-Air 2025 air show in Colombia on August 4, the US defense technology company Shield AI introduced the V-BAT 128 tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with integrated AI, designed for reconnaissance, electronic warfare and multi-mission missions in complex environments.

The V-BAT 128 features a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) design that requires no runway or supporting equipment. This allows the UAV to operate effectively from ship decks, jungle landing sites, or rough terrain.

V-BAT 128 takes off and lands vertically, has a flight time of up to 11 hours and a range of over 600km. This UAV can automatically change its route and mission according to the battlefield situation. Photo: US Department of Defense

With a maximum take-off weight of 56.7kg, flight time of up to 11 hours and a range of over 600km (expandable via satellite connectivity), the V-BAT 128 carries a payload of 11.3kg including EO/IR cameras, SAR radar, WAMI sensors, ELINT and communications transponders.

The highlight of the V-BAT 128 is the Hivemind software, an AI flight control system that allows the UAV to self-orient, avoid GPS interference, and coordinate with other UAVs without continuous human control. The UAV can automatically change its route and mission according to the battlefield situation, useful in areas with interference or high risk.

The Colombian Navy is evaluating the possibility of purchasing this system. If selected, the V-BAT 128 would represent a quantum leap in Colombia’s UAV capabilities, able to coordinate with unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and mobile command centers to form a multi-domain sensor network. It would also mark a milestone in the trend of applying US military AI technology in Latin America.

* Japan to supply 11 Mogami-class stealth destroyers to Australia

On August 5, Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Richard Marles said that the country will equip the Royal Australian Navy with 11 upgraded versions of the Mogami-class destroyers built by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

According to TheDefensePost, this is considered one of Japan's largest defense export contracts with a non-US partner since 1945.

Destroyer JS Mogami (FFM-1). Photo: Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force

The upgraded version chosen by Australia has a displacement of 4,880 tons, allowing it to carry more weapons and have higher survivability. The ship has a range of up to 18,500km, is equipped with a 32-tube Mk 41 vertical launch system, and is capable of carrying SM-2/SM-6 air defense missiles, anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles, and long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles. The ship integrates stealth technology and advanced sensors, with a crew of about 90 people, 30 people less than other generations of modern warships. It is expected that the ship will be integrated with UAVs for mine clearance and reconnaissance missions.

The Mogami class will replace the ageing Anzac class, the Australian Defence Department said. Operating alongside the Hobart-class destroyers and Hunter-class frigates, the Mogami will be tasked with both air defence and anti-submarine warfare.

The first three destroyers will be built in Japan, with delivery in 2029-2030. The remainder will be built at the Henderson Defense Industrial Park in Western Australia.

The Australian Government confirmed the purchase is part of a $55 billion investment strategy over the next 10 years to expand the surface fleet, double its size and ensure effective interoperability with allied navies.

* Russia mass produces Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicles

According to TASS, Russia's Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicle has officially entered mass production after completing state-level evaluation tests, aiming to improve protection and mobility for man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) on the battlefield.

Typhoon-PVO is designed based on the KamAZ-4386 armored vehicle chassis of the Typhoon-VDV type developed by Remdiesel Company. The vehicle carries a crew of 5, including commander, driver, machine gunner and 2 MANPADS operators.

The Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicle is equipped with nine shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, allowing it to destroy helicopters, cruise missiles and UAVs. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

The vehicle is equipped with a rotating turret, using a 12.7mm Kord heavy machine gun, capable of attacking targets while the vehicle is moving at a speed of 20km/h. Two hatches on the roof allow the machine gunner and MANPADS operator to engage without leaving the armored compartment. The vehicle's armor meets STANAG 4569 level 4 standards, capable of withstanding 14.5mm armor-piercing bullets. The body of the vehicle is equipped with a 360-degree observation camera. The vehicle is also equipped with 9 shoulder-fired surface-to-air missiles, allowing it to destroy helicopters, cruise missiles and UAVs.

Typhoon-PVO has a maximum speed of 100km/h, an operating range of over 1,200km, can wade through water 1.75m deep, and climb slopes of 30 degrees. The vehicle is about 6.9m long, 2.5m wide, 2.7m high, and has a combat weight of about 14 tons.

The vehicle is integrated into Russia 's multi-layered air defense network and, depending on configuration, can act as a command vehicle coordinating Tor-M2 batteries.

According to Army Recognition, the Typhoon-PVO's modularity, relatively low production and operating costs, and its ability to operate independently and centrally make it the choice of many countries facing increasing air threats in urban, asymmetric combat environments.

MAI HUONG (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-6-8-nga-san-xuat-hang-loat-xe-phong-khong-typhoon-pvo-386527.html