Aviation

Boeing, Nammo Complete Long-Range Ramjet Artillery Test

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and the Norwegian defense and aerospace company Nammo has further shown the practicality of one of the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities: long-range precision shots.

The successful test-firing of a ramjet-powered artillery projectile by Boeing and the Norwegian defence and aerospace company Nammo has further shown the practicality of one of the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities, long-range precision shots.

A Boeing Ramjet 155 projectile was shot out of a cannon on June 28 during a test at the Andya Test Center in Norway, and its ramjet engine successfully ignited. It displayed stable flight due to carefully managed engine combustion.

The Andya long-range test comes after years of ramjet technology research, development, and testing by Boeing and Nammo, including more than 450 static or short-range tests.

In an effort to jointly develop and construct the following generation of boosted artillery projectiles, Boeing Phantom Works and Nammo have been collaborating. The Ramjet 155 projectile development and maturation contract was given to the Boeing-Nammo team in July 2019 as part of the XM1155 programme of the US Army. A Phase II technology development contract was given to the group in May 2021.

Ramjet 155 uses a supersonic projectile moving forward in an engine that uses only that forward velocity to compress the air pulled in combustion. The initiative, which is thought of as a cross between guided artillery and missiles, has as its goal the development of a universal round that can be used in both L39 and L58 cannons. In the upcoming months, more testing and demonstrations of the technology are planned as the team continues to refine and develop it.

International aerospace and defence business Nammo has its main office in Norway. Nammo is a top manufacturer of rocket motors, shoulder-fired systems, and speciality ammunition with more than 2,700 people, 28 production sites, and a presence in 12 countries.

Aviation

Egypt has signed an agreement with China to purchase J-10C fighter jets

Egypt has become the second country, after Pakistan, to order China’s Chengdu J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” fighter jets, marking a significant shift in its military strategy.

The announcement, made during the inaugural Egypt International Air Show from September 3 to 5 at El Alamein International Airport, reveals Egypt’s intent to replace its aging fleet of U.S. F-16s.

The J-10C, a highly capable 4.5-generation multi-role fighter jet, was showcased by China for the first time on African soil during the air show. It features advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, making it a formidable alternative to Egypt’s current fleet.

Known for its air superiority missions, the J-10C has often been compared to the American F-16, which has been the backbone of the Egyptian Air Force since the 1980s.

However, with Egypt’s F-16s now considered outdated against modern air defense systems, the decision to transition to the Chinese fighters underscores a major upgrade in Egypt’s combat capabilities.

This move not only signals Egypt’s intent to reduce its reliance on U.S. defense systems but also reflects a broader shift in its international alliances.

Despite a long-standing defense relationship with the U.S., evidenced by a recent acquisition of C-130J Hercules transport aircraft through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, Egypt is clearly looking eastward.

The decision comes amid growing concerns over U.S. policies in the Middle East, including its stance on Israeli operations in Gaza, which may have influenced Cairo’s pivot to Chinese military technology.

China’s increasing presence in the Middle East and North Africa is bolstered by such deals, as Beijing continues to expand its influence through military cooperation and economic partnerships, particularly in energy imports.

The Egypt International Air Show provided a platform for showcasing this growing military-industrial relationship.