Military tech advances: SpearUAV scales drone production and Lockheed Martin tests HIMARS training rocket

Military technology developers are introducing new systems to enhance autonomous combat and training efficiency. Tel Aviv-based SpearUAV has announced the production of nearly 1,000 Viper 300 loitering munitions. These lightweight, 2.8-kilogram quadcopter drones are designed for infantry and armored units, capable of being launched from capsules or vehicles. The system features artificial intelligence and is optimized for urban environments and complex terrain, offering a 5-kilometer range and 20 minutes of flight time.

In the United States, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Army successfully tested the JR3 (Joint Reduced Range Rocket) at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona. Designed specifically for the HIMARS system, the JR3 is a smaller training rocket that lacks a warhead but uses a visual marker to indicate impact points. A new specialized container allows for up to 24 JR3 rockets per load, compared to the six rockets held in standard GMLRS combat containers, significantly reducing training costs and increasing the volume of practice rounds available per reload.