Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin established a 10-year framework to produce at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighters for the U.S. military, pending congressional approval. Lockheed will invest $7 billion to enhance production efficiency and supply chain resilience. The deal aims to maintain a production rate of 156 aircraft annually and improve the F-35's mission-capable rate. This agreement is expected to support 317,000 jobs and generate $79 billion in economic activity over the decade.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) awarded a $75 million contract to Long Wall for the testing of its Cyclops low-cost interceptor in Washington. This interceptor is designed to strike enemy missiles mid-flight and can be launched from various platforms. Long Wall, established in February 2025, will invest an additional $75 million in the development of Cyclops.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has been conducting live-fire air defense training at McGregor Range in New Mexico and various locations in Japan since July 2026. The exercises involve the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile and coordination with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Patriot units. This training aims to enhance Japan's air defense capabilities.

Applied Intuition secured a $25 million contract from the US Navy to deploy AI-powered sensor fusion technology on five Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The Intelligent Perception System (IPS) will integrate data from multiple sensors to enhance situational awareness and enable real-time updates while at sea. This initiative builds on the success of a previous pilot program, DECK, and aims to improve naval operations through advanced technology.

The U.S. Department of War is preparing to order 60,000 small attack drones from nine companies following the Gauntlet II testing at Fort Carson, Colorado, in August 2026. Perennial Autonomy and Neros are set to receive the maximum initial orders of 8,000 drones each. This initiative is part of the Drone Dominance Program, which aims to enhance the U.S. military's drone capabilities and establish a domestic industrial base for low-cost drones.

The Army is experimenting with small drones to deliver tailored cyber effects and jamming capabilities as part of its ongoing efforts to equip the 11th Cyber Battalion. This includes testing the Radiofrequency Delivery Effects Platform (RDEP) and gathering feedback to determine the necessary capabilities for future operations. The establishment of a 12th Cyber Battalion is also planned to enhance the Army's cyber warfare capacity.

The Pentagon is advancing the development of ketamine wafers, known as Wafermine, for battlefield use, following a $41 million contract with iX Biopharma. An emergency authorization is being sought to allow its use before full FDA approval, in response to a military emergency declaration. This initiative aims to provide effective pain management for U.S. troops facing severe injuries.

Team Wendy has begun deliveries of the EXFIL Endurance ballistic helmet to a launch customer in the Middle East as of October 27, 2026. The helmet is part of their new product line, emphasizing advancements in ballistic protection.

Robinson Unmanned announced the integration of Lyntris’ Dragonflight autonomy technology with the SPARTAN Group 2 UAS to support the U.S. Navy's Maritime Tactical Command and Control program on October 20, 2026. This collaboration aims to enhance autonomous operations and reflects a broader strategy of integrating advanced technologies into military aviation. The SPARTAN platform is designed for modularity and adaptability in demanding operational environments.

The U.S. Army's 1st Battalion, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment conducted a battalion-wide readiness exercise at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 21, 2026. The exercise tested the unit's ability to operate and sustain its Patriot air defense systems while coordinating across its firing batteries. Key equipment included M903 launchers and OE-349 antenna masts, demonstrating the battalion's operational readiness following recent deployments in Europe.

General Dynamics Land Systems rolled out an upgraded version of the PERCH kit, enabling M1A2 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles to launch Switchblade 300 loitering munitions during the U.S. Army's Machine Assisted Rugged Sapper event at Fort Hood, Texas, from October 26 to 30, 2025. This upgrade enhances reconnaissance and strike capabilities, allowing crews to engage targets beyond line of sight.

The U.S. Navy tested a prototype Man Overboard Detection System aboard the Self Defense Test Ship in Port Hueneme, California, on August 14. The system, which uses thermal cameras to detect sailors who fall overboard, successfully identified a rescue dummy during the test. The Navy aims to enhance rapid-response search and rescue operations with this technology.

The U.S. Army tested three prototype XM1180 artillery shells at Yuma Proving Ground in February 2024. These shells utilize a new seeker technology to engage moving tanks, enhancing artillery capabilities. The tests are part of a broader effort to improve targeting accuracy and reduce collateral damage. Future developments include integrating the seeker into the XM1230 Extended Range Artillery Projectile.

The U.S. Army tested the Millimeter Wave Screening Obscuration Module at Aberdeen Proving Ground in August 2023. This new smoke screen technology obscures radar signatures of soldiers and vehicles by releasing coated fibers into the air. The development aims to enhance battlefield survivability by providing critical time for soldiers. Future plans include a multispectral version that screens against various sensor types.

DARPA awarded Space Nuclear Power Corporation a contract to develop a self-operating Kilopower nuclear reactor, with testing scheduled at the Nevada National Security Site. This technology aims to enhance military operations in remote locations, including the Moon, and follows successful tests of the KRUSTY reactor. The project aligns with U.S. efforts to advance nuclear capabilities for national security.

The Missile Defense Agency extended Raytheon's contract for the AN/TPY-2 missile defense radars by $394 million, raising the total contract value to nearly $3 billion. This extension allows Raytheon to continue operating and maintaining the radars until October 31, 2028, supporting eight THAAD batteries across various locations, including Fort Bliss and South Korea. The radars have faced damage during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The U.S. Navy contracted Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for up to $47.7 million to identify vulnerabilities in submarines and subsea warfare assets. The contract, announced on October 21, 2023, will support the Navy's Undersea Security Program and will run until October 2031, with most work occurring in Laurel, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. This initiative aims to enhance the security of U.S. submarines against potential adversaries.

The US Air Force predicts a requirement for 1,509 combat-ready fighter jets by 2035 to meet a moderate risk operational profile. This figure represents an increase from previous estimates and is part of a broader analysis of the Air Force's fighter force structure. The report highlights challenges in funding and procurement, emphasizing the need for reliable congressional support to achieve these goals.

The U.S. Air Force requires 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, with F-35s making up 40% of the fleet. Lt. Gen. David Tabor outlined these needs during a Pentagon briefing, emphasizing that the figures depend on congressional funding and industry production capabilities. The Air Force also plans to replace F-22s with F-47s and seeks to acquire 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032.

Elbit Systems acquired International Submarine Engineering, a Vancouver-based company specializing in autonomous underwater systems, on Tuesday. This acquisition aims to enhance Elbit's capabilities in the maritime domain, integrating various unmanned systems into a comprehensive operational framework. Elbit's President emphasized the strategic importance of this move for expanding their naval electronic warfare and autonomous systems capabilities.