Analysis & Reports

The M551 Sheridan light tank, retired in 1997, was notable for its ability to be deployed by parachute alongside airborne forces and its potent 152mm gun. Despite its retirement, it remains the U.S. Army's best post-World War II light tank due to its unique capabilities. The recent failure of the M10 Booker light tank highlights the lack of a suitable replacement for the Sheridan's operational role.

The U.S. State Department approved a $140 million sale of four UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters to the Argentine Army on September 10, 2026. This deal marks the first acquisition of Black Hawks by Argentina, intended to replace its aging fleet of Bell UH-1H Hueys. The sale includes additional equipment such as spare engines and various support systems, with no additional U.S. personnel required in Argentina for the transaction.

The Pentagon is expanding its testing of emerging technologies, including unmanned surface vessels and high-energy lasers, along the US-Mexico border. This initiative aims to enhance border security and combat narco-trafficking. Future deployments depend on budget negotiations in Congress, with ongoing assessments of current technologies and potential new projects planned for the upcoming fiscal year.

On 27 March 1999, the F-117A Nighthawk, call sign Vega 31, was shot down by the 3rd Battalion of the Yugoslav Army’s 250th Air Defence Missile Brigade near Budjanovci during NATO's Operation Allied Force. The aircraft was targeted using an Isayev S-125 missile system, resulting in the first loss of an F-117 to enemy fire. Lt. Col. Dale Zelko ejected and was rescued after eight hours.

The U.S. State Department approved the sale of UH-60L Black Hawk helicopters and related equipment to Argentina on September 10, with a total estimated value of 1.4 billion USD.

The U.S. Air Force awarded $149 million in contracts to four manufacturers for the production of metal cases for large bunker-busting bombs. The contracts, which involve Superior Forge and Steel, Ellwood National Forge, Faxon Machining LLC, and Grand Valley Manufacturing, are expected to be completed by September 7, 2033. This production supports the Air Force's existing GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator and the development of the Next Generation Penetrator.

SIATT signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Safran Electronics & Defense in São José dos Campos, Brazil, on 8 September 2026, to collaborate on missile systems and related technologies. The agreement includes developing solid rocket motor capabilities at SIATT's facilities and exploring cooperation in critical technologies such as navigation systems and optronic sights.

Brazil's Army and Avibras Aeroco successfully tested the MTC-300 cruise missile at the Marambaia Test Range in Rio de Janeiro on August 26. This test marks a significant milestone in the missile's certification process after a four-year delay due to financial issues. The MTC-300 is designed to strike targets up to 300 kilometers away and is part of the ASTROS artillery system.

L3Harris Technologies completed the first 35 units of the Viper Shield electronic warfare system for F-16 fighter jets, marking the start of full production. Eight allied nations, including Bahrain, Bulgaria, and Poland, have ordered a total of 233 units. The system is designed to protect F-16s from radar-guided missiles and can be mounted inside the aircraft or carried as an external pod. Peru has also selected the system for its new F-16 Block 70 jets.

The German Navy successfully tested the LORA missile system in the North Atlantic on September 2, 2023, deploying two frigates for the operation. This missile system, developed in Israel, has a range exceeding 500 kilometers and represents a significant enhancement of Germany's naval capabilities. The test is seen as a new chapter in maritime deterrence and readiness for Germany and its allies.

Leonardo signed a contract to produce seven Centauro II wheeled vehicles for the Brazilian Army in Brazil. This contract marks the beginning of the delivery of these new military vehicles, enhancing the Brazilian Army's capabilities.

The German Navy successfully conducted a test launch of an Israeli-made long-range missile from a frigate in the North Atlantic. This missile has a range exceeding 500 kilometers. The test is part of NATO's initiative to strengthen European military capabilities and marks a significant advancement in Germany's maritime defense strategy.

The German Navy successfully conducted a dual firing trial of the LORA ballistic missile in the North Atlantic, achieving precision strikes in both scenarios. This trial was part of the Navy's Operational Experimentation program, and Germany is now preparing to procure the missile, which has a range exceeding 500 kilometers. The LORA missile, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries, has previously seen combat use.

The SIG Sauer P226 has been a trusted combat pistol for over 40 years, adopted by elite military units like the U.S. Navy SEALs since the mid-1980s. It was initially part of the XM9 trials but was not selected due to cost concerns. The P226 has proven its reliability in various combat environments, making it a preferred choice among professionals. The author recounts personal experiences with the P226 during a deployment in Bolivia.

On Wednesday, soldiers graduated from the Army's new 15X tactical unmanned aircraft system specialists training course at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. The Army plans to train 770 new 15X soldiers by the end of the year, focusing on various drone types and contested environments. The 1st Aviation Brigade oversees the training, which includes both new recruits and veteran soldiers retraining.

The U.S. Army transitioned from the M1911A1 to the M9 Beretta in 1985, which was criticized by some military personnel for its inferior performance. Issues highlighted include the M9's heavy trigger pull and slide-mounted safety, which could hinder combat readiness. The Navy SEAL Teams opted for the P226 due to its reliability, while the author maintains a preference for the M1911A1.

Pratt & Whitney received a $240.8 million contract modification to upgrade the F135 engine powering the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The upgrade aims to enhance the engine's power and efficiency as the aircraft is tasked with heavier workloads. Funding is provided by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and allied nations, with work expected to be completed by March 2028 across eight locations in the U.S.

The U.S. Navy awarded Castelion nearly $90 million for the development of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, aiming for Early Operational Capability with 50 prototypes. The missile, designed to be low-cost and long-range, is intended for integration with platforms like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and HIMARS rocket artillery. The target cost per missile is below $500,000, highlighting its potential for mass production.

The US Navy operates a fleet of 11 aircraft carriers, including the Gerald R. Ford-class and Nimitz-class, both powered by two nuclear reactors. The Gerald R. Ford-class, which has three times the generating capacity of the Nimitz-class, is currently undergoing sea trials and is expected to enhance operational capabilities. The USS Gerald R. Ford was launched in 2019, with the USS John F. Kennedy and others following in service.

The US Navy began flight-testing the AIM-424 Malice missile, capable of engaging targets from over 287.7 miles, for its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning fighters. This development follows the introduction of the AIM-174B Gunslinger and aims to counter China's advanced missile systems. The testing occurred during the Tailhook Symposium in Reno and is part of a broader strategy to enhance air-to-air combat capabilities.