Today’s global military news (June 3) includes: Russia developing mobile version of ZAK-30 Citadel artillery system; the United Kingdom strengthens its arsenal of Martlet missiles; and FN Herstal launches the FN Arka 5.56 mm caliber infantry rifle.
Russia plans to develop a mobile version of its anti-aircraft artillery system. Â The ZAK-30 Citadel drone extends the role of this equipment, initially designed for the protection of fixed targets, to the flexible protection of military installations and critical infrastructure against drone attacks. The system is mounted on a Ural truck chassis.
According to the TASS news agency, the new configuration should include several trucks carrying combat modules, as well as a separate vehicle equipped with a radar. This information was disclosed after the presentation by the Rostec company of the ZAK-30 Citadel anti-aircraft gun of 30 mm caliber, intended for the protection of fixed targets, at the first International Security Forum.
The Citadel system uses a 30 mm cannon combined with explosive fragmentation munitions equipped with remotely programmable fuses. Instead of requiring a direct impact, the system calculates the optimal detonation point based on the target’s trajectory, creating a cloud of shrapnel that destroys the drone. This approach is particularly suitable for small drones with a weak radar signature, low thermal contrast and unpredictable flight paths.
According to published information, this system is capable of shooting down fixed-wing drones at a range of up to 1 km and multi-rotor drones at a distance of up to 800 m, belonging to the ultra-short-range air defense group and mainly performing defense roles punctual.
One of the Citadel’s notable features is its 30 x 165mm smart munition developed by Rostec. Optimized for anti-drone and anti-surveillance missions, this ammunition is also compatible with the 2A42 automatic cannon, widely deployed on many Russian military vehicles such as the BMP-2, the BMPT, the Mi-28NM and the Ka-52M.
Rostec said the Citadel system can operate continuously 24/7 and integrates radar, electro-optical sensors and an automated fire control system. Its effectiveness relies largely on its ability to detect and track targets, calculate the detonation point and program the fuse before firing.
The move to a mobile configuration is expected to significantly change the use of the Citadel system. Instead of protecting a single fixed site, the system can be deployed quickly in threatened areas, thus strengthening the protection of airports, fuel depots, munitions depots, power plants and other critical infrastructure.
Britain strengthens its Martlet missile arsenal.
The UK is boosting its anti-drone arsenal with a £36m deal to buy hundreds more Martlet missiles.
According to the plan, deliveries of the new missiles will begin in the coming months and will continue until the end of 2026. This is not only an addition to stocks, but also a strategic adjustment by the United Kingdom to the evolving situation. Â Modern warfare, where military bases, deployed units, critical infrastructure and naval forces are under constant threat of attack by low-flying unmanned vehicles.
The Martlet is a light and versatile missile weighing approximately 13 kg, guided by laser beam, reaching a speed of Mach 1.5 and having a range of 6 km. This type of missile is designed to destroy drones, helicopters, small surface craft, light vehicles and many other mobile land and sea targets.
The Martlet missile can notably be deployed from the Royal Navy’s Rapid Sentry land launchers and Wildcat HMA2 helicopters. This combination creates a multi-layered defense network, enhancing the ability to detect and intercept aerial threats before they reach their targets.
Defense capabilities are enhanced by the integration of 3D surveillance radars such as Saab’s Giraffe 1X. The UK has ordered 11 of these radar systems from 2023 for aerial surveillance, drone detection and early warning. The combination of radars, command and control networks and interceptor missiles makes it possible to reduce response times and improve the effectiveness of strikes against small targets with weak radar signatures.
The decision to increase the acquisition of Martlet missiles draws practical lessons from recent conflicts, where cheap drones have put great pressure on traditional defense systems. In this context, the Martlet appears to be an effective compromise between anti-aircraft artillery and more expensive interceptor missile systems.
FN Herstal unveils the FN Arka 5.56 mm infantry rifle
Belgian arms manufacturer FN Herstal has just unveiled its new infantry rifle, the FN Arka, ahead of the Eurosatory 2026 exhibition in Paris. This weapon, using NATO ammunition from 5.56 to 45 mm, was developed to meet the growing needs of the armed forces and law enforcement for a weapon combining the ergonomics of the AR-15 rifle with the reliability of a piston system. short stroke gas operated.
According to FN Herstal, the FN Arka is not designed to replace the popular FN SCAR line, but rather to expand the company’s product portfolio, targeting customers who prioritize control systems and accessory compatibility for the AR platform.
The FN Arka inherits the short-stroke piston system and rotary bolt from the SCAR series, currently used by more than 20 armed forces around the world. However, unlike the SCAR’s characteristic side-mounted bolt lever, the Arka uses a T-shaped bolt lever on the rear of the receiver, similar to that of the AR-15 rifle. This rifle is also compatible with a wide range of standard AR grips and stocks, allowing users to use their existing accessories without modification.
At its launch, the FN Arka used 5.56 to 45 mm ammunition. Two versions were offered: the CQC, equipped with a 28.5 cm (11.25 inch) gun for close combat, and the Standard version, with a 37 cm (14.5 inch) gun, suitable for conventional combat missions. Their weight, without cap, was 3.7 kg and 3.9 kg respectively.
Both versions use 30-round magazines, have a theoretical rate of fire of 600 to 700 rounds per minute, and offer semi-automatic or automatic firing options.
One of the standout features of the FN Arka is its effective use with silencers. Each rifle is equipped with a standard gas regulator, allowing the gas flow to be adjusted according to different types of ammunition and conditions of use. FN Herstal has also developed its own silencer in order to reduce the recoil of gases towards the shooter while preserving the reliability of the system.
Source : https://baolangson.vn/quan-su-the-gioi-hom-nay-3-6-nga-phat-trien-phien-ban-co-dong-he-thong-phao-zak-30-citadel-5094318.html
