Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army announced its commitment to modernization and autonomous systems by redesignating the Futures and Concepts Command as the U.S. Army Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM) in Washington, D.C. FASCOM will develop autonomous capabilities and align the Army's force structure with new operational guidance. Concerns were expressed regarding the closure of the Unmanned Assault Battalion, emphasizing a decentralized approach to drone warfare.

The U.S. Army will activate Project Gatekeeper on October 23, 2023, to streamline the software approval process, reducing the time from months to minutes. This AI-enhanced cybersecurity sandbox allows companies to vet their software without needing an Army contract or program manager. The initiative aims to improve operational efficiency and security in software integration.

BAE Systems unveiled new layered air-defense systems, including the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) and High-Power Microwave (HPM), designed to counter missiles and drones. These systems were introduced at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army. MDACS utilizes Hypervelocity Projectiles for both offensive and defensive operations, while HPM targets drone swarms with directed energy. Both systems aim to enhance protection for critical installations and field units.

The U.S. Army is re-evaluating its munitions procurement goals, focusing on increasing production of Patriot air defense missiles, particularly the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement, during discussions at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The Army aims to reach a production goal of 2,000 interceptors, with potential increases to 4,000 or more. Additionally, the Army is considering the purchase of PAC-2 Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical, contingent on Congressional funding.

In 2012, German Eurofighter Typhoons conducted aerial maneuvers during Red Flag exercises in Alaska, scoring mock kills on US F-22 Raptors. The Luftwaffe, consisting of eight Typhoons and 150 personnel, claimed victory, stating they had 'Raptor salad for lunch.' This incident raised concerns about the F-22's tactics and operational effectiveness against allied forces.

BAE Systems delivered the 100,000th APKWS guidance kit in early 2026, enhancing U.S. and allied forces' capabilities against low-cost drone threats. The kit has been integrated into platforms like the F-15E Strike Eagle and Eurofighter Typhoon, demonstrating effectiveness in air-to-air engagements. Production capacity is set to meet rising demand, supported by a $1.7 billion contract from the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Army tested unmanned systems at Fort Bragg to enhance obstacle breaching and reduce exposure to battlefield hazards. Project Sandhills 2.0 involved various autonomous systems, including drones and trucks, and aims to inform future Army capabilities. The Army is transitioning to acquisition and organizational changes for these technologies, establishing the Futures and Autonomous Systems Command to integrate autonomous capabilities across military formations by fiscal 2028.

Saudi Arabia conducted 119 airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen following missile and drone attacks on Riyadh. The Houthi forces warned of severe repercussions if the U.S. intervenes in the conflict. Saudi Arabia has requested urgent military support from the U.S. as tensions escalate in the region.

Democratic leaders indicated that if they gain control of Congress in the November midterm elections, US military aid to Ukraine could accelerate significantly. Rep. Jim Himes noted that aid packages could be expedited from months to weeks. The report also highlights concerns regarding the Trump administration's influence on military aid and NATO's role in coordinating support for Ukraine.

The U.S. Army has redesignated its Futures and Concepts Command as the Army Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM) in Washington. This change aims to integrate autonomous and unmanned systems throughout the Army's structure. FASCOM will be led by a three-star general and is part of a broader modernization initiative, which includes the establishment of a new four-star command focused on autonomous warfare.

The Soviet Navy's K-222 submarine set a record speed of 44.7 knots underwater in 1970. However, it faced significant operational challenges due to excessive noise and hull cracking, which ultimately led to its decommissioning in 1988 and scrapping in 2010. The submarine was equipped with ten P-70 Ametist missiles and was manned by an 82-person crew.

Rivet developed militarized smart glasses called Rivet Hard Spec for the U.S. Army to enhance situational awareness and communication on the battlefield. The company delivered 70 prototypes and aims to enable soldiers to command AI agents for controlling robots and drones. Rivet has raised $55 million in funding to support this initiative and is also adapting the technology for aerospace manufacturing and maintenance tasks.

The U.S. military is currently facing severe ammunition shortages due to ongoing conflicts, prompting defense contractors like Anduril Industries and Lockheed Martin to rapidly increase production of new missile systems. Anduril has launched the Steelfin modular air defense missiles, while Lockheed Martin is enhancing the Patriot-3 interceptor to counter hypersonic threats. The Pentagon has allocated $18.2 billion to replenish missile stocks, indicating a significant ramp-up in production capabilities across the defense industry.

The U.S. Army is reviewing its emergency war gear stocks, planning changes based on insights from the war with Iran. This review, known as TAP2E, will assess the placement and readiness of prepositioned stocks, with a budget of $702 million allocated for the next year. The Army has identified at least seven stockpiles in North America, Asia, and Europe, and plans to establish an eighth in the southwest Indo-Pacific.

Kongsberg is establishing a new production facility for counter-drone systems in Warsaw, Poland, with an investment exceeding 200 million zloty. This initiative is part of a collaboration with the Polish military and PGZ to deliver the San anti-drone system, which includes 18 anti-drone batteries and various military vehicles. The construction contract is expected to be signed by the end of 2026, with production commencing in early 2028.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled three new air defense systems at the AUSA conference in Jerusalem. The systems include Point@Air, a mobile aerostat-based radar, HawkGuard, a counter-drone interceptor, and Fire Storm 250, a drone equipped with an M250 machine gun. These innovations aim to enhance capabilities against emerging battlefield threats and improve operational flexibility.

Army leaders announced plans to host commercial data centers at Fort Bliss, Dugway Proving Ground, Fort Bragg, and Fort Hood to mitigate public backlash. They aim to engage with local communities and military families during the agreement phase of these projects, which are intended to support both civilian and military needs. The Army has noted significant public opposition to similar projects in civilian areas.

The U.S. Army is developing high-energy laser counter-drone weapons, with the first unit expected to be operational by early 2028. AeroVironment has been awarded a $464.8 million contract for the LOCUST X3 system, which will be delivered by Q4 of FY 2027. The Army aims to enhance its capabilities against unmanned aircraft systems, having already demonstrated successful engagements with a prototype.

USS Triton (SSRN-586) completed the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe in February 1960 under Captain Edward L. Beach Jr. The submarine, powered by two Westinghouse S4G nuclear reactors, was decommissioned on May 3, 1969, after less than a decade of service and was later scrapped. Triton was notable for its size, speed, and advanced technology for its time, including six torpedo tubes and air-search radar.

The 2026 AUSA trade show in Washington, D.C. featured a wide array of military technologies, including drones and counter-drone systems. The Ukrainian military showcased small drones, while various defense contractors displayed advanced equipment such as amphibious robots and thermal weapons sights. Notable participants included General Atomics and Hanwha Aerospace, highlighting innovations in unmanned systems.