Thursday, March 13, 2025

World Defense News

 

US releases first-ever footage of AGM-114R-9X Flying Ninja bladed missile strike.


On February 23, 2025, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces conducted a precision airstrike in northwest Syria, killing Muhammed Yusuf Ziya Talay, a senior military leader of Hurras al-Din (HaD), an Al-Qaeda affiliate. The operation was part of CENTCOM’s ongoing efforts to disrupt terrorist activities in the region and marked the first time the U.S. government publicly released video footage of an AGM-114R-9X Flying Ginsu missile in action. General Michael Erik Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that similar operations would continue as necessary.
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The absence of an explosion, along with the observed damage pattern, was consistent with previous strikes using the AGM-114R-9X Flying Ginsu, a variant of the Hellfire missile designed to minimize collateral damage. (Picture sources: US CENTCOM and Open Source Munitions Portal)


On March 1, 2025, CENTCOM released video footage documenting the airstrike. The footage showed a vehicle traveling on a road before being struck by a munition. The absence of an explosion, along with the observed damage pattern, was consistent with previous strikes using the AGM-114R-9X Hellfire missile, a variant designed to minimize collateral damage. This assessment was supported by images from the strike site, which showed missile fragments with markings identifying them as AGM-114R-9X components. The observed damage to the vehicle, characterized by a star-shaped penetration pattern, aligned with the known effects of the R-9X variant. It is assessed that an MQ-9 Reaper drone conducted the strike, as this platform has been used for similar operations in the past.

The AGM-114R-9X Hellfire missile, dubbed the Flying Ginsu, Flying Ninja, R9X, or Ninja Missile, is a modification of the Hellfire family, developed to engage specific targets while reducing collateral damage. Unlike conventional Hellfire variants that employ explosive warheads, the R-9X relies on kinetic force and six deployable metal blades, which extend from the missile body before impact. The munition entered U.S. military service in 2017, with the first publicly documented use occurring in 2019. In 2022, it was reportedly used in an airstrike targeting the then-leader of Al-Qaeda, bringing further attention to its operational role.

Official acknowledgment of the R-9X remains limited. A U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) spokesperson confirmed its presence in the U.S. inventory but provided no additional details regarding its use. No confirmed foreign sales have been reported, though, in theory, the weapon could be deployed by any system capable of launching standard Hellfire missiles. Reports in 2023 suggested that Israel may have used the missile in Gaza, but subsequent analysis indicated the munition in question was an illumination shell rather than an R-9X.


The release of video footage showing the AGM-114R-9X in action for the first time suggests a shift in the availability of official information regarding its use. The Pentagon’s decision to share this material appears to be an effort to highlight the role of precision-guided munitions in counterterrorism operations. The footage depicts a targeting sequence with crosshairs fixed on the driver’s side of the vehicle, with damage limited to that area while the passenger seat remained mostly intact. This corresponds with previous accounts of the missile's capabilities. The targeting FLIR footage shows the missile locking onto a moving vehicle before impact, further illustrating its intended function.


The AGM-114R-9X Hellfire missile weighs approximately 49 kg and is designed as a kinetic impact munition with six long, retractable blades that deploy in the final moments before impact. (Picture source: Twitter/Status-6)


The R-9X has been used in multiple operations targeting individuals traveling in unarmored vehicles, primarily in Syria and Lebanon. Its deployment has led to discussions on the strategic and legal implications of its use, particularly regarding intelligence accuracy and the operational limitations of non-explosive kinetic munitions. While it is designed to limit unintended casualties, its effectiveness depends on precise targeting data. The distinct damage pattern it leaves allows forensic analysts to identify its use at strike sites.

The AGM-114R-9X Hellfire missile weighs approximately 49 kg and is designed as a kinetic impact munition with six long, retractable blades that deploy in the final moments before impact. It retains the overall dimensions of a standard Hellfire missile, with a length of approximately 1.6 meters and a diameter of 180 mm, allowing it to be launched from platforms already configured for Hellfire missiles, including rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) such as the MQ-9 Reaper, and ground-based launchers. The missile relies on a combination of inertial navigation and semi-active laser guidance to precisely engage designated targets.

Unlike explosive warheads, the R-9X generates lethal effects through high-velocity kinetic energy and the cutting action of its six forward-deploying blades, which are designed to penetrate vehicle roofs and lightly armored structures while reducing collateral damage. The missile's accumulator and actuator mechanisms facilitate the controlled deployment of its blades, ensuring structural integrity until impact. The R-9X’s non-explosive design is intended for targeted eliminations where minimizing risk to nearby structures and bystanders is a priority. This design enables it to engage targets with a controlled impact radius. Other U.S. military low-collateral munitions include concrete-filled inert bombs and the carbon-fiber-body Mark 82 bomb, both of which similarly reduce fragmentation effects.


Unlike explosive warheads, the R-9X generates lethal effects through high-velocity kinetic energy and the cutting action of its six forward-deploying blades, which are designed to penetrate vehicle roofs and lightly armored structure. (Picture source: US CENTCOM)

Romania's air defense capabilities are set to significantly improve with the establishment of three F-16-equipped squadrons stationed at three key air bases across the country. 
This milestone was confirmed by Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tîlvăr, during a ceremony held at Câmpia Turzii, celebrating the completion of the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft acquisition for the newly created 48th Fighter Squadron, part of the 71st Air Base "General Emanoil Ionescu."
  • As of the end of January 2025, an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft purchased from Norway landed at the 71st Air Base "General Emanoil Ionescu" in Câmpia Turzii, completing the fleet of 16 aircraft for the 48th Fighter Squadron. 
  • By the end of 2025, the remaining 16 F-16s are expected to be delivered to form the 571st Fighter Aviation Squadron at the 57th Air Base "Captain Aviator Constantin Cantacuzino" in Mihail Kogălniceanu.


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Romania's air defense capabilities are set to significantly improve with the establishment of three F-16-equipped squadrons stationed at three key air bases across the country. (Picture source: Romanian MoD)

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According to Algerian start ship on March 13, 2025, the Algerian Air Force began operating the Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet from Oum Bouaghi Air Base. This development follows reports indicating that Algeria could become the third operator of the Su-35, after Russia, Iran, and China, following Egypt’s cancellation of its order. The acquisition is part of Algeria’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fighter fleet, maintain operational capabilities, and align with its defense procurement strategy. Read full defense news at this link...

Reports indicate that the Su-35s delivered to Algeria were originally manufactured for Egypt, which placed an order in 2018 but later withdrew due to Western economic and political pressures.  (Picture source: RussianPlanes.net/Alexei Karpulev and Twitter/Algerian start ship)

 

On March 11, 2025, the U.S. Air Force achieved a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to enhance NATO capabilities by conducting the first live weapons drop of the GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) in Sweden, marking an important step since the country’s accession to NATO. This mission, part of Bomber Task Force Mission VIKING NEBULA, showcased the precision strike capabilities of the U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress bombers, working in tandem with Swedish air and ground forces. It also demonstrated the growing interoperability between U.S. and Swedish forces, further strengthening NATO’s collective defense capabilities in the European theater. Read full Defense Aerospace News at this link ...

 
According to information published by the AirPower 2.0 X account on March 7, 2025, relaying a message from the U.S. Navy's VX-31 Dust Devils, the squadron successfully conducted live-fire tests of the new AIM-260A Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) air-to-air missile on February 5, 2025.

 

 

On March 12, 2025, Panama approved a $197 million procurement plan to acquire six aircraft for the National Aeronaval Service (Senan). 
  • This purchase includes four A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from Embraer for over $78 million and two C-295 transport aircraft from Airbus Defense and Space for more than $109 million
The government states that the acquisition is intended to strengthen the country’s capabilities in aerial patrol, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance. The new aircraft will replace an aging fleet of 14 aircraft from the 1980s, which have an estimated annual maintenance cost of approximately $10 million. Officials insist that this procurement has no combat objective. 
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Italy has submitted a proposal to its European partners aimed at establishing a common guaranteed mechanism to attract private investment in the defense and aerospace sectors within the European Union
  • This initiative, which could generate up to €200 billion in investments, is based on a €17 billion guarantee fund designed to limit the impact on public finances.

As reported by Aviation Week, the Kingdom of Thailand is preparing to take a significant step in strengthening its air capabilities. In 2025, the country plans to acquire a tanker transport aircraft. 
  • This decision would provide the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with its first real aerial refueling capability, a strategic asset that would increase its operational autonomy and enhance interoperability with regional partners.

According to International Defence Analysis on March 8, 2025, recent images circulating on social media suggest that the Chinese Armed Forces might have deployed the HQ-29 ballistic missile defense (BMD) system. The HQ-29 is one of several interceptors in China's missile defense strategy, alongside the HQ-9B, HQ-19, HQ-26, and kinetic interceptors such as the DN series. 
  • These systems are designed to counter threats ranging from short-range ballistic missiles to those in the exoatmospheric phase.
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Amid a rapidly evolving strategic environment, the UK is being called upon to accelerate its defense investments significantly, particularly in drones and armored vehicles, as reported by The Times. 
  • With the ongoing war in Ukraine, tensions in the South China Sea, and persistent instability in the Middle East heightening the risk of global conflicts, the British Armed Forces are under pressure to modernize their equipment and expand their munitions stockpiles. 
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According to WWW1.Ru on February 26, 2025, the lower house of the Belarusian parliament ratified a draft law approving the security treaty between Belarus and Russia within the framework of the Union State. 
  • The agreement, signed in Minsk on December 6, 2024, now requires approval from the upper house of parliament before being signed by President Alexander Lukashenko.

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At the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UkrArmoTech introduced the Gyurza-02, also known as UAT.GYURZA-02, a 4x4 armored combat vehicle designed for personnel transportation, reconnaissance, patrolling, and fire support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other defense formations. 
  • The first batch of Gyurza-02 vehicles is scheduled for delivery to the Armed Forces of Ukraine in March 2025 for deployment in combat missions.
Defense firm UkrArmoTech developing three domestically-produced armored  vehicles – Rubryka
During the exhibition, UkrArmoTech engaged with foreign buyers expressing interest in procurement, but the company remains focused on establishing production in Ukraine and supplying the Ukrainian military before considering exports. 

 

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