EU arms manufacturers team up to develop system to intercept Oreshnik

EU arms manufacturers team up to develop system to intercept Oreshnik The communiqué highlighted the contribution of Ukraine’s experience in resisting large-scale air and missile assaults, which will inform the development, testing, and operational evaluation of Bliksem EXOMOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. Five prominent EU defense industry leaders have united in an initiative to develop a cutting-edge missile defense system named Bliksem EXO. According to a joint communiqué of July 14, the consortium aims to create an advanced platform capable of intercepting ballistic missiles during their mid-course phase. The alliance, also known as Blixem EXO, brings together France’s Thales and Safran Electronics & Defense, Airbus Defense and Space from Europe, MBDA Deutschland - the German branch of the renowned European missile manufacturer - and Swiss-Dutch firm Destinus, recognized for its support of Ukraine through missile and drone supplies. The founding meeting took place in Paris, attended by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, where company executives formalized their commitment to establishing a sovereign European exoatmospheric interceptor. According to the communiqué, Bliksem EXO is specifically engineered to counter medium-and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, including sophisticated threats like the Oreshnik class equipped with multiple maneuverable reentry vehicles. Positioned at the upper echelon of missile defense, the system is designed to detect, track, and destroy targets outside the atmosphere during the mid-course phase, employing a direct kinetic impact (ramming) approach without warheads. Notably, the system will be fully compatible with NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) and the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), complementing existing defenses that currently lack the capability to intercept ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere. The consortium has delineated clear roles for its members. Destinus will serve as the program leader, overseeing systems integration and developing the exoatmospheric interceptor’s warhead. MBDA Deutschland will focus on the rocket booster, launcher, and transport containers. Safran will develop advanced seeker technology along with navigation, guidance, and control systems. Airbus will design the Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (BMC4I) system to unify detection, tracking, and interception capabilities. Thales will provide radar and sensor solutions, ranging from missile early warning to fire control systems. The communiqué also highlighted the valuable contribution of Ukraine’s experience in resisting large-scale air and missile assaults, which will inform the development, testing, and operational evaluation of Bliksem EXO. Jetten emphasized that Ukraine has joined the coalition, alongside nine other countries and numerous unnamed EU defense firms, to bolster European missile defense capabilities. The parties anticipate finalizing a formal agreement within three months of signing the letter of intent, with joint engineering efforts commencing as early as August 2026. The consortium plans to initiate flight testing of the interceptor’s warhead outside the atmosphere in 2027. As of now, specific technical details of the interceptor remain undisclosed. TagsUkraineUS-Israeli strikes on IranIranian MFA urges Middle Eastern states to stop US from attacking from their territoriesIran's Foreign Ministry emphasized that Tehran harbors no "enmity or ill will towards any of its neighbors or countries in the region" Read moreZelensky to submit interior minister’s candidacy for defense minister post to parliamentCurrent head of the National Police Ivan Vygovsky will take over the post of the interior ministerRead moreNew Russia-Ukraine prisoner swaps on deck, Kiev’s terror: ombudswoman’s key statementsHuman rights commissioners are a "major shield protecting human rights" in Russia, Yana Lantratova saidRead moreEurope sees no foul in Russian civilian killings — permanent representative to OSCEEurope is ready not only to ignore the manifestations of neo-Nazism in Ukraine, but also to "dust off" its own Nazi ideology, Dmitry Polyansky pointed outRead moreRussian exports of grain, grain-based products up 69% year-to-dateAn increase in grain shipments from Russia was recorded: to Turkey, Egypt, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Sudan, Kenya Read moreVon der Leyen promises Kiev ‘safe and secure production sites’ for drones to attack RussiaThe European Commission President also promised "huge technological and industrial capacity" in EuropeRead moreLong-range Ukrainian strikes possible only with Western help — Russian Security CouncilDeputy Secretary Yury Kokov says that in particular, Kiev receives technical support in reconnaissance, targeting, and logisticsRead moreTrump says sets no deadline for expanding strikes on IranAccording to the US president, the Iranian leadership should be "better behaved"Read moreIN BRIEF: What is known about Russian strikes on Ukrainian portsRussian forces hit Odessa and Chernomorsk port infrastructure facilities used to unload fuel and lubricants and fuel storage tanks for the Ukrainian militaryRead moreRussian grain exports gain 11% to 61 mln tons in 2025-2026 seasonEgypt, Turkey, and Iran were the largest importers of Russian grain products during the seasonRead morePress review: US, Iran vie for Hormuz leverage as Russia, US conclude ISS program by 2030Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, July 15thRead moreUS Air Force aircraft twice attack Iranian port of Sirik in Strait of Hormuz — TVNo information on casualties has been reportedRead moreMessi named Man of the Match in World Cup semifinal win over EnglandArgentina's forward provided two assistsRead moreRussia says France's refusal to grant visa to TASS reporter for UNESCO events puzzlingAccording to Maria Zakharova, on July 17, during a global conference of the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, a UNESCO-Russia International Prize for Achievements Fundamental Sciences will be awarded at UNESCO headquarters in ParisRead moreEurope silences breaches of rights of Russian-speaking Ukrainians — OSCE envoyEven as 'sober voices' can still be heard in Europe, there are fewer of them, Dmitry Polyansky saidRead moreSergey Koretsky appointed Ukraine’s new prime ministerA total of 289 lawmakers supported the decisionRead moreTrump believes Ukrainian crisis to be resolved before end of his presidential termThe US president thought it would have ended beforeRead moreMutual tourism of Russia and China grows at double-digit rates — LavrovThe foreign minister says that the increase has been significantly supported by the existing visa-free travel regime between the two countriesRead moreUS airstrikes in Iran kill 35 over past day, authorities sayHealth Ministry Spokesman Hossein Kermanpour said that the number of killed citizens could riseRead moreRussia, China bring increased stability, confidence in development to world — Chinese MFAChinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian noted that relations between the two countries are developing under the strategic leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi JinpingRead moreRussian forces systematically push Ukrainian troops from Omelnik — expertAndrey Marochko noted that Russian troops are particularly successful in advancing in the areas of Novoselovka and Verkhnyaya TersaRead moreCoalition of the Willing troops in Ukraine, Western sanctions: Foreign Ministry briefingThe conflict in Ukraine can only be resolved if arms supplies to Kiev stop, Maria Zakharova saidRead moreEU readies infrastructure for large-scale military conflict — diplomatAttention is being paid, among other things, to adapting the civilian transport and logistics infrastructure to the tasks of military planning and operational mobility, Yulia Zhdanova saidRead moreQatar blocks Israel’s deal with Volkswagen to produce missiles for Iron Dome — mediaThe deal was blocked despite the memorandum of understanding signed by the parties in AprilRead moreTrump says Iran is fighting US like 'great boxer'The US leader stressed that Tehran continued to resist despite repeated US strikesRead moreUS not to conduct ground operation to change Iran’s government — VanceAccording to Vance, the United States is currently striving to ensure the unhindered transportation of oil and gas, as well as "to keep the Iranians from having a nuclear weapons program and using the tools of diplomacy and military power to accomplish that."Read moreWest to justify killing of Zaporozhye nuclear power plant chief engineer — Duma deputyMikhail Sheremet says the IAEA will "again take an ambivalent blurred position" on the incidentRead moreUkrainian forces attack DPR 24 times over past dayFour civilians were injuredRead moreTourist arrivals in Russia rising despite EU restrictions — KremlinAccording to Dmitry Peskov, more and more tourists from China, Arab countries and Persian Gulf countries are visiting Russian citiesRead moreRussian forces hammer Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past dayThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,450 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreEurope is banking on Russia’s military defeat - envoy to OSCEDmitry Polyansky pointed out that the rhetoric and actions of Britain, France, Germany, Finland, and anti-Russian figures from Central and Eastern Europe have nothing to do with genuine efforts to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine and across the continentRead moreAuterion, Skyfall to deliver 50,000 AI-powered Shrike FPV drones to UkraineThe enterprise noted that the procurement is being financed by an unnamed NATO member in EuropeRead moreRussian troops advance northeast of Svyatogorsk in DPR — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the combat conditions are the most intense in the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk areaRead moreSpring draft brings 141,000 conscripts into Russian Armed ForcesThe spring conscription campaign has concluded, the Defense Ministry saysRead moreGreece blocks 21st sanctions package against Russia over threat to business — FTAccording to sources cited by the newspaper, the ban on the transportation of Russian LNG would ruin the Greek shipping company DynagasRead moreUkrainian attacks on Belgorod region injure five people, including two childrenThree civilian women were injured when an FPV drone detonated in the city of ShebekinoRead morePress review: Trump stuck over Iran war and Zaporozhye chief’s killing may affect peaceTop stories from the Russian press on Thursday, July 16thRead moreCivil unrest in Ukraine may escalate to armed protest against Zelensky, Russian MP warnsLeonid Ivlev cited the recent government reshuffle, the forced mobilization to the Ukrainian army, mass losses of untrained soldiers on the front line, and the concealment of corrupt officials by Zelensky as reasons behind potential unrest in UkraineRead moreRussian forces approach several Ukrainian positions near Slavyansk — DPR headDenis Pushilin added that Slavyansk is located in a lowland relative to these positionsRead morePentagon blocks publication of F-35 fighter jet program report — BloombergThis is the first year that the acquisition reviews has been determined to contain CUI information and be restricted from public releaseRead moreEU pays highest amount for Russian gas in nearly 1.5 years in MayIn May, the EU imported a total of 1.5 bln euro worth of Russian gasRead moreUS ends second series of strikes on Iran in 24 Hours — CENTCOMThe Central Command says the US struck Iranian command centers, air defense, missile, and drone sites, as well as coastal observation postsRead moreCabinet reshuffle in Ukraine, economic challenges: key topics of new Kremlin briefingThe Kremlin is following what’s going on in and around Ukrainian politics amid the ongoing special military operation, Dmitry Peskov saidRead moreInternational Handball Federation allows Russian teams to participate in tournamentsThe IHF said that full reintegration may require a transition period for both Russian and Belarusian teams and officialsRead moreEuropean leaders hold their peoples hostage to military-terrorist bloc — Russian SCYury Kokov said that a policy of 'double standards' is widely applied, where the same radical group can be recognized as a terrorist one day and a fighter for democracy the nextRead moreUkraine supports Turkey's security initiatives in Black Sea — FidanThe Turkish foreign minister emphasized that "the war impacts every sector," but Turkey advocates for a focused, separate approach to addressing security of navigation and energy suppliesRead moreArgentina to face Spain in World Cup finalThe team beat England 2-1Read moreRussian tech firm Gagaring offers jobs to Volkswagen employees on chopping blockFor those who accept the offer, the laboratory guarantees permanent employment contracts, a competitive salary, and comprehensive relocation support for specialists and their familiesRead moreMilitary-industrial complex drew EU into NATO's sphere — Russian Security Council officialAccording to Yury Kokov, NATO has transformed from a defensive alliance into a tool for promoting the agendas of powerful military corporationsRead moreRussia, China interested in developing energy cooperationThe participants of the meeting also shared views on cooperation within international organizations such as APEC, the SCO, and BRICSRead moreFSB soldiers eliminate Ukrainian saboteurs, UAV control center in DPRIn total, FSB Gorynych unit operators eliminated four enemy sabotage-terrorist groupsRead moreRussia tests Perun laser system against all types of dronesAccording to Svarog, the system has proven highly efficient in countering UAVs during field testsRead moreRussian forces strike Ukrainian long-range UAV storage sites in past day — top brassThe Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,505 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hoursRead moreZaporozhye legislator slams trial against founder of SOS Donbass in Paris as hypocrisyStepan Kuvachev condemned the trial as baseless and politically drivenRead moreRussia's calm progress toward its goals angers opponents — Security Council officialRussian military personnel, confident in their capabilities, are diligently executing their assigned tasks, Yury Kokov notedRead moreWhat we know about detention of man who planned sabotage at oil company in Russia’s YugraThe detainee has confessed to plotting a terrorist attack on an oil company in NyaganRead moreRussian forces target logistical chains supplying Ukraine with weapons — MPRussia is thereby responding to the Kiev regime’s terrorist attacks on Russian regions, Leonid Ivlev saidRead moreEU defense spending nearing pre-World War II levels, Russian diplomat saysAccording to various estimates, planned defense-industrial spending in some member states is approaching the levels seen on the eve of World War II," Yulia Zhdanova saidRead moreIranian military says attacks on US bases to continue until ‘ultimate victory’The IRGC has launched six drone attacks on US bases in the Middle EastRead moreVon der Leyen, Vucic, Sandu, other leaders arrive in KievThey are expected to meet with Zelensky and participate in the Southeast European summitRead moreSenator Lindsey Graham dies at 71Republican Senator passed away from a brief and sudden illnessRead moreRussian, Myanmar special forces hold joint skills demonstration — Russian Defense MinistryThe ministry specified that during the training, the servicemen of the two countries used FPV drones and the Kurier ground robotic systemRead moreThose plotting 'new campaign' against Russia should remember lessons of history — MFAMaria Zakharova advised them to stop deluding themselves into believing they can inflict a strategic defeat on RussiaRead moreRussia-China transactions in dollars, euros diminished to ‘negligible level’ — LavrovThe foreign minister says that financial settlements between Russia and China have been almost entirely converted to national currenciesRead moreNATO unleashed over 30 military adventures in past 25 years — Russian SC officialYury Kokov added that trillions of dollars were spent on these activitiesRead moreRussian defense chief notified of UAV unit’s analytical groups formationThe task of these groups is to provide a detailed analysis of the use of unmanned systems and organize a more effective use of drones to engage the enemyRead moreNATO, EU use radical tools of international terrorism — Russian Security CouncilDeputy Secretary Yury Kokov noted that the use of violent methods for their own purposes has become "common practice for Anglo-Saxon financial elites"Read moreMOEX Index drops below 2,100 points for first time since Dec 2022 — trading dataBy 07:15 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX Index stood at 2,084.51 points Read moreIran has no plans to negotiate with US, focused on defense — agencyRead moreProtests over defense minister’s dismissal spread across 14 Ukrainian citiesThe largest rally is taking place in Kiev, where hundreds have gathered near the government quarterRead moreEU ambassadors fail to agree on 21st package of anti-Russia sanctions — sourceNegotiations have been postponed until next weekRead moreIranian ambassador to Tajikistan says US failed in attempts to control Strait of HormuzAli Mojtaba Rouzbehani pointed out the republic's comprehensive military, missile, and geopolitical strengthRead moreRussian agricultural exports rise 26% in H1, exceed $20 blnAccording to head of the federal Agroexport center Ilya Ilyushin, exports of grain and pulses rose by 43%, oil and fat products by 22%, fish and seafood by 28%, dairy products by 20%, confectionery by 13%, and processed food products by 15%Read moreBattlegroup Center’s new unmanned systems units fully formed, staffedIt made possible to more efficiently conduct fire missions to destroy enemy personnel and equipmentRead moreRussian troops approach second line of Ukrainian defense on way to Orekhov — officialAccording to Igor Kimakovsky, the Russian fighters have closely approached the Ukrainian defense line near the Verkhyaya Tersa settlementRead moreUkraine's killing of ZNPP chief engineer another attempt to threaten plant's safety — MFAThe ministry noted that the extreme danger of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' presence near the Zaporozhye NPP is now more evident than everRead moreUkrainian military uses Grad multiple rocket launcher to attack Russia’s Bryansk RegionThe attack killed a 15-year-old girl and her grandmotherRead moreEurope faces wave of Kiev-orchestrated terrorist attacks — DPR headDenis Pushilin expressed confidence that Kiev would stage more terrorist attacks following the explosion in MonacoRead moreKremlin briefing covers US sanctions plans against Russia, Baltic ‘fearmongering’Dmitry Peskov revealed that Moscow had received signals through existing channels that the US was ready to resume work on the Ukraine settlement after the Iran situation was resolvedRead moreZaporozhye nuke calls chief engineer killing breach of nuclear facilities safety principleNuclear facilities "should always remain beyond politics and violence," the statement readRead moreOne civilian killed, several injured as air defenses down 375 drones over RussiaThe Ukrainian UAVs were shot down over 19 Russian regionsRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about death of Zaporozhye nuke chief engineer from Ukrainian strikeOn July 15, Ukraine struck a service vehicle of the nuclear power plant with a drone, killing Alexander Yakovlev and his driverRead moreUS launches second wave of strikes on Iran — CENTCOMThe strikes are targeting Iranian military capabilities used to threaten vessels freely transiting through the Strait of HormuzRead moreSafety of millions depended on Zaporozhye nuclear plant chief engineer killed by KievAlexander Yakovlev devoted his entire professional life to nuclear energyRead moreRussian defense chief inspects Battlegroup CenterThe head of the formation’s department of unmanned systems forces reported to Andrey Belousov that the battlegroup had fully formed new units of unmanned systems forces and provided them with the necessary resourcesRead morePoland plans to introduce 'pre-war state' regimeAs the news portal notes, the "pre-war state" regime will allow Poland to begin troop deployments, receive allied forces, and prepare infrastructure for possible military operationsRead moreSomeone in Russia moves to trademark Spirit of AnchorageThe application for trademark registration was filed with the Federal Service for Intellectual Property, Rospatent, on July 10, 2026Read moreIran could target US bases if Washington launches ground operation — ex-foreign ministerIranian lawmaker and former Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki pointed out that all previous agreements with Washington, including the recent memorandum of understanding, "were nothing but deception"Read moreVK, Max apps disappear from Google PlayInstalled services and apps continue to work normally, VK saidRead moreFACTBOX: What we know about removal of Max and VK apps from Google PlayPreviously installed services and applications continue to function normally without restrictionsRead moreSerbia to stay out of military anti-Russian coalition being created by EU — Vulin"Serbia did not sign the anti-Russian declaration in Kiev," the former Serbian deputy prime minister saidRead moreMillions sign online petition demanding Argentina be booted from World CupThe petition claims that FIFA and the referees are biased toward Lionel Messi and the Argentininan national teamRead moreRussian defense chief orders to refine hardware-software to assess UAV crewsAndrey Belousov emphasized the importance of innovations for better assessment of UAV crews’ performanceRead moreKiev regime’s reshuffle is of little significance to Russia — Kremlin spokesmanDmitry Peskov stressed that resolving the situation and ensuring its interests were more important things for RussiaRead moreIran warns of destroying all US infrastructure in region after Trump’s threatsAccording to the statement, the Strait of Hormuz is a red line for Iran and the country will not tolerate US interference in controlling itRead moreRostec unveils Pautina system for protection of industry facilities from dronesThe state corporation said that the Pautina is capable of protecting facilities over 25 meters high and of any sizeRead moreIRGC strikes US Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan — Mehr agencyAccording to data obtained by the news agency, the IRGC hit communications systems and fuel storage facilities of the US Armed ForcesRead moreRussian opponents hit civilian targets out of despair, achieve nothing — security councilThe bet on strategically defeating Russia has failed, and it is becoming increasingly evident day by day, Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Yury Kokov stressedRead moreClosure of Bab el-Mandeb Strait by Houthis to deal blow to container shipping marketAccording to Vice President of the Russian International Affairs Council Mikhail Margelov, this event would not have a critical impact on oil suppliesRead moreRussia expresses readiness for contacts regarding Ukrainian settlement — Turkish MFAHakan Fidan highlighted that beyond a fundamental willingness to negotiate, the specific negotiating positions are also crucialRead moreForeign interference in Russia intensifies ahead of elections — Security CouncilAccording to Deputy Secretary of Russia's Security Council Yury Kokov, attempts to destabilize the situation from within have failed to produce the desired effectRead more