Analysis & Reports

The White House released a new science and technology strategy outlining military tech priorities, emphasizing undersea superiority, space capabilities, and artificial intelligence. This strategy includes a four-tiered priority scheme for military technology, balancing low-cost innovations with traditional high-cost programs. It identifies critical areas for U.S. battlefield dominance and highlights potential game-changing technologies such as biotechnology and quantum technology.

The U.S. Navy planned five Montana-Class battleships, featuring twelve 16-inch guns and advanced armor, but the program was canceled in 1943 before construction began. These ships would have been the largest battleships in U.S. history, significantly enhancing naval firepower. Their design influenced future naval warfare considerations, despite never being realized.

The U.S. Air Force considered developing the FB-22 bomber, a derivative of the F-22 Raptor, in the early 2000s. The proposed aircraft aimed to enhance strike capabilities with a range of 1,600 miles and a payload of 30 precision weapons. Despite initial support, the program was ultimately canceled in 2006 due to strategic assessments prioritizing range and the need for a new long-range bomber.

Sweden has purchased reconnaissance and combat UAVs to operate as a coordinated recce-strike system. This new system will utilize common software for integration. The procurement reflects Sweden's ongoing military modernization efforts.

Japan's Ministry of Defense plans to request a record 10 trillion yen budget for FY 2027, focusing on military expansion and modernization. This includes developing hypersonic missiles, unmanned submarines, and attack drones. The government is shifting away from its pacifist post-war stance, prompting domestic protests against militarization efforts.

Hezbollah conducted FPV drone attacks in Lebanon from April 16 to mid-June 2026, resulting in the majority of Israeli military casualties. The group operates approximately 90 drone cells and has shifted tactics to include swarming attacks. Fiber-optic drones are employed to evade Israeli electronic warfare, and Hezbollah is training more operators during the ceasefire to enhance its capabilities.

Alexandra ReevesThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is seeking industry information to develop a training package for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, including simulators and maintenance trainers, based at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. This initiative follows congressional actions to secure funding and prevent the termination of the program, which aims for initial operational capability by fiscal year 2032. The Request for Information was published on August 19, 2023, by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center.

Israel is developing new precision bombs modeled after JDAM to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers for precision munitions. This initiative is part of the Israeli Defense Forces' efforts to enhance their military capabilities.

U.S. Army Contracting Command issued a request for information seeking contractors for the sustainment of the HAWK missile system at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. The contractor will handle logistics, engineering services, and technical documentation. This initiative supports the operational capabilities of the HAWK system, which is currently utilized by Ukraine against modern threats. Responses are due by September 2, 2023.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory opened a solicitation for the Relentless Wolfpack weapons program at Eglin Air Force Base, seeking proposals for weapon coordination in contested airspace. Proposals are due by October 2, 2023, with contracts anticipated by December 10, 2023. The program emphasizes autonomy and interoperability among various vendors' weapons, focusing on developing an affordable mass cruise missile.

The U.S. Army expanded its procurement objective for the Infantry Squad Vehicle to 11,582 units as of February 2026, marking an 18-fold increase from the initial target of 649. This decision was driven by operational demand and soldier feedback, with the program launched in 2019 to fill gaps between existing vehicles. The Army is also developing a heavy variant to enhance capabilities.

The U.S. Navy launched an Aegis Readiness Assessment Vehicle Six (ARAV-6) target from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii on August 6, 2026, as part of the Pacific Dragon 2026 exercise. This biennial exercise, involving the U.S. and six partner nations, aims to enhance missile tracking and interception capabilities. The exercise runs until August 15, 2026, and includes various missile defense systems.

On August 20, 2023, Russian forces launched a massive combined strike on Kyiv, involving 44 cruise missiles and 168 drones. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 39 cruise missiles and 145 drones, but the attack resulted in 12 civilian deaths and around 40 injuries. The strikes hit multiple locations, including residential buildings and a children's hospital, indicating a strategy aimed at pressuring the civilian population.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

Kongsberg signed a NOK 1.1 billion contract with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada for the delivery of the PROTECTOR RS4. This contract indicates a significant procurement of military equipment by Canada.

The U.S. Army awarded ThinKom Solutions a $49 million contract to develop and test a mobile high-power microwave weapon designed to counter drones. The prototype, named Alecto, will undergo field testing in 2027 and aims to provide non-kinetic options against unmanned aircraft. The system will be integrated with government-designated sensors and fire-control systems, targeting smaller classes of drones.

On August 20, the Russian Pacific Fleet conducted missile strikes during a planned exercise near the Southern Kuril Islands. The Varyag cruiser launched two Onyx anti-ship missiles, while the Omkus submarine fired Granite cruise missiles. Additionally, the Bastion coastal defense system engaged targets with Onyx missiles, simulating enemy vessels over 300 kilometers away.

The European Union is currently striving for strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty in defense amid increasing geopolitical tensions. It acknowledges its limited influence in global conflicts and the risks associated with reliance on external military supplies. The EU is actively seeking to enhance its defense capabilities through various strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Arcfield is preparing for a satellite launch in September and is exploring the manufacturing of specialized glass components for optical sensors and laser communications in Huntsville, Alabama. The company aims to enhance its production capabilities to support military applications and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Additionally, Germany is investing in space defense projects and has rebranded its air force to include space operations.

German Eurofighter Typhoons achieved simulated 'kills' against U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors during the 2012 Red Flag 12-2 exercise in Alaska. The exercise demonstrated the capabilities of both aircraft in close-range dogfighting, with German pilots claiming they could outclass the F-22 under certain conditions. Despite the notional victories, the F-22 maintains a high mission success rate and is recognized for its advanced combat capabilities.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Navy explored the development of medium aircraft carriers (CVV) as a cost-effective alternative to supercarriers. This initiative received support from Presidents Ford and Carter but was ultimately abandoned in favor of larger Nimitz-class carriers under President Reagan. The CVV was designed to displace 50-60,000 tons and accommodate up to 65 aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat.