Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
U.S. Air Force signs $149M deal to keep its bunker busters in production
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.
U.S. Army awards NG $4.8B for helicopter missile defense
The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $4.84 billion contract for the production of the Common Infrared Countermeasures system (CIRCM) on September 8, 2023, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This new laser-based system is intended to enhance helicopter defense against heat-seeking missiles. The contract is set to run until September 30, 2035, and includes provisions for the system's use on allied aircraft, including Germany's CH-47 Chinook fleet.
Defense Business Brief: AI manufacturing; Skilled trades; Arms transfer oversight
Machina Labs is set to expand its manufacturing capabilities in Los Angeles with a new facility aimed at producing missile components and airframes using AI and robotics. The Pentagon is addressing a skilled trades crisis, highlighting the need for 320,000 new welders by 2029, and has awarded a $10 million grant to BuildFreedom.us to enhance workforce training. Additionally, oversight of defense articles abroad is being improved following inconsistencies in investigations.
Israeli-based defense company rebrands American subsidiary to Twenty-Six Defense
Twenty-Six Defense, the U.S. subsidiary of Israeli-based Elbit Systems, rebranded to emphasize its American-made products and commitment to U.S. warfighters. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, the company employs 3,300 people and has secured over $370 million in contracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This rebranding occurs in the context of shifting American support following the recent conflict involving Hamas and Israel.
Israeli-based defense company rebrands American subsidiary to Twenty-Six Defense
Elbit Systems' U.S. subsidiary rebranded as Twenty-Six Defense in October 2023, emphasizing its commitment to American-made defense products. The company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, employs 3,300 people and has secured over $370 million in contracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This rebranding comes amid divided American support following recent conflicts involving Israel.
Elbit Systems’ American subsidiary rebrands as Twenty-Six Defense
Elbit Systems' U.S. subsidiary rebranded as Twenty-Six Defense in October 2023, highlighting its commitment to American-made products and support for U.S. warfighters. The company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, employs 3,300 people and has secured over $370 million in contracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The rebranding comes amid divided American support following recent conflicts involving Israel and Gaza.
‘Truly concerns me’: DAWG director warns funding lapse could kill ‘momentum’
Lt. Gen. Steven Marks warned that the Defense Autonomous Working Group (DAWG) may face significant setbacks if it does not receive the nearly $54 billion requested in the FY27 budget. He highlighted the importance of funding for maintaining momentum in drone development, particularly in light of global military developments. Marks noted that without adequate funding, the U.S. risks falling behind in drone capabilities compared to adversaries.
AI-powered biowarfare is coming; the Army lays plans to ‘fight through’ it
The U.S. Army is updating its biodefense strategy to prepare for biological threats, particularly those enhanced by AI, by 2035. This includes the development of portable genetic-sequencing kits for field analysis and a focus on adapting military operations to bio-contested environments. The strategy aims to address shortcomings revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the importance of AI in both detecting and countering biological threats.
Northrop Grumman unveils anti-jam version of its artillery guidance kit
Northrop Grumman announced the development of the PGK E5, an anti-jam GPS-guided artillery kit, on September 9, 2023. This new version enhances accuracy in GPS-degraded conditions and maintains compatibility with existing artillery systems. The U.S. Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth $863 million for the production of M1156 kits, with over 100,000 units already built since 2013.
Boeing, Anduril team moves ahead in race for new interceptor
Boeing has advanced to the next phase of developing a new interceptor missile for the U.S. Army's Integrated Fires Protection Capability air defense system, collaborating with Anduril Industries for the solid rocket motor. This interceptor aims to enhance defense against cruise missiles and drones, filling a critical gap in the Army's layered air defense. The announcement was made on September 9, confirming Boeing's progress in the competition against other defense contractors.
A $68,000,000 US Navy EA-18G Growler Simulated the Shootdown of a $143,000,000 US Air Force F-22 Raptor at Nellis in 2009. The Navy Pilot Painted an F-22 Silhouette on His Cockpit.
In 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler simulated the shootdown of a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The Growler, equipped with AN/ALQ-99 jammers, successfully executed a simulated AIM-120 kill, prompting the pilot to paint an F-22 silhouette on his cockpit. This incident highlighted the capabilities of the Growler despite its fourth-generation status compared to the fifth-generation F-22.
Army ‘not walking away’ from UAVs despite reverting drone unit back to infantry
The Army transitioned the 3rd Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment back to a conventional infantry battalion in August 2023 after it was designated as an unmanned systems battalion earlier in the year. Army officials emphasized that this decision does not indicate a reduction in focus on drones and autonomous systems, despite concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the implications for learning from allies like the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Elbit America rebrands as Twenty-Six Defense
Elbit Systems has rebranded its U.S. arm as Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company, which employs 3,300 people across 10 states, aims to enhance support for U.S. warfighters through domestic design and manufacturing. This rebranding reflects its commitment to the American market and includes a focus on electronic systems, drones, and ground combat systems.
US Navy’s next-generation fighter decision to be unveiled soon, sources say
The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the U.S. Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, with an announcement anticipated in the coming weeks. The program, known as F/A-XX, aims to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and is crucial for maintaining naval air dominance against advancing threats. Funding has been secured, with $750 million allocated in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in 2026.
U.S. drone maker AEVEX picks up another kamikaze drone deal
AEVEX Corp. won $20.5 million in U.S. government contracts to develop one-way attack drones, announced on September 9, 2026. These drones will support combat-ready units and training. This marks the third contract awarded to AEVEX for such systems in 2026, contributing to their significant share of the loitering munitions market.
US Air Force seeks ‘rapidly deployable’ drone swarms for base security
The U.S. Air Force is developing rapidly deployable drone swarms for base security, utilizing cargo planes as launch platforms. The drones will autonomously defend bases from attacks, with a proposal deadline of October 21, 2023. The project emphasizes secure communications and has potential applications for disaster response and border surveillance.
The US Air Force F-35 Lightning II Went 20 to 1 Against Aggressor F-16s at Red Flag 2017. In Stealth Configuration It Carries Only 4 AMRAAM Missiles, and the F-16 Pilots Worked That Out.
The F-35 Lightning II achieved a 20:1 kill ratio against F-16s during Red Flag 2017 at Nellis Air Force Base, showcasing its stealth and sensor capabilities. However, aggressor F-16 pilots successfully employed swarm tactics, revealing vulnerabilities in the F-35's limited missile capacity and forcing it into close-range engagements. This incident underscores both the strengths and limitations of the F-35 in modern air combat scenarios.
Startup building unmanned cargo planes raises $60 million
Poseidon Aerospace raised $60 million in funding to develop unmanned cargo aircraft, specifically the Egret model, aimed at enhancing logistics for both commercial and defense sectors. The company, headquartered in Alameda, California, plans to operate its own cargo flights to serve remote routes and support Defense Department logistics. The first uncrewed flight of Egret is anticipated by the end of 2026.
Boeing Spent $67,000,000 of Its Own Money Building the YF-118G Bird of Prey Stealth Aircraft. It Flew 38 Times on Landing Gear From a Beech King Air and an Ejection Seat From a Harrier.
Boeing developed and tested the YF-118G Bird of Prey stealth aircraft at Area 51 from 1992 to 1999, spending $67 million of its own funds. The aircraft, which utilized off-the-shelf parts, completed 38 test flights to explore stealth technology. It was designed as a technology demonstrator rather than for operational use, showcasing innovative manufacturing techniques.
Forget the F-35 Stealth Fighter: At 87,000,000,000 Operations Per Second, the US Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Is a Real Flying Supercomputer
The U.S. Air Force's F-15EX Eagle II, tested over the Gulf of Mexico, demonstrated its capabilities in air superiority and advanced weaponry integration. It can reach speeds of Mach 2.5 and is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the Advanced Display Core Processor II. The aircraft is designed to complement fifth-generation fighters and enhance air combat effectiveness.
