USAF to use augmented reality technology in F-16 cockpit
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
Miysis DIRCM system. (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo on 29 June announced a contract to provide its Miysis Directed Infrared Countermeasure (DIRCM) missile protection system for an unnamed Middle Eastern government’s new VVIP transport aircraft.
Miysis will be installed on a Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft (the first of its type to be selected by a government customer). The aircraft is expected to enter service in 2022.
The DIRCM system will provide ‘complete spherical protection for the aircraft and, uniquely for a system of its size, can output more than enough laser energy to protect the Global 7500 aircraft from even the most modern infrared-guided (heat-seeking) missile threats’, Leonardo noted.
The latest contract follows orders for Miysis DIRCM from the UK (for the Shadow R1 ISTAR aircraft), Canada (for the CP-140 Aurora maritime patrol aircraft) and three other NATO customers, as well as several non-NATO customers.
Miysis DIRCM works by shining a high-powered laser onto an incoming missile’s targeting system, ‘dazzling’ it and guiding the missile away from the aircraft.
Unlike competing products, Leonardo claimed, Miysis DIRCM can defend against multiple, simultaneous incoming missiles and the latest generation of shoulder-launched IR-guided MANPADS.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Miysis can be used as a standalone DIRCM or integrated with other onboard self-protection systems.
The US Air Force awarded Red6 a contract to install its ATARS software into the aircraft to provide new training solutions, following successful integrations in the T-38 Talon and MC-130.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin also urged caution over a “drone-tastic” way of thinking when it comes to their use alongside traditional air and underwater domain platforms.
In July 2025 Teal Drones was awarded Tranche 2 of the US Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) programme for a small uncrewed aerial system (sUAS).
Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said the decision to discontinue discussions on the fighter training detachment was mutually agreed with the US.
With US tariffs and stalled defence talks slowing imports, India has cleared a $3.4 billion plan for 87 tri‑service MALE UAVs with 60% indigenous content – accelerating self‑reliance as operational lessons from May’s four‑day conflict drive urgency.
In its Q2 earnings call, the company said it has internal targets set for similar double-digit growth for 2026, as it welcomed a 21% boost in 2025 profits so far compared to 2024.