Analysis & Reports

NATO is seeking assistance from private companies to develop counter-drone defense systems due to increasing drone incursions affecting airports and military facilities in Europe. Recent incidents have been reported in Poland, Romania, Denmark, Lithuania, Belgium, and the UK, prompting NATO to enhance its defense capabilities. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for increased investment in defense technologies to address these threats.

NATO member states are conducting collective maritime operations to secure critical undersea infrastructure in Northern Europe, particularly in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland. This includes the establishment of the Baltic Sentry operation and the use of uncrewed underwater vehicles for surveillance. The response follows significant incidents affecting undersea infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to enhance maritime readiness and situational awareness since 2016.

Germany plans to develop a satellite-based missile detection system to enhance its military capabilities and reduce reliance on U.S. defense systems. The initiative, reported on February 4, 2023, involves an investment of €35 billion in military space technology by 2030. The German Space Command has highlighted the urgency of establishing missile detection capabilities in response to emerging threats.

Southern Theater Command Air Force pilots conduct nighttime intercepts of foreign aircraft in the South China Sea. The pilots report that foreign aircraft turn off their navigation lights, making it difficult to determine their positions. Despite the challenges, the pilots express confidence in their ability to manage these encounters.

The F-15EX Eagle II is being deployed by the U.S. Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard for various military operations, including air policing and ground strikes. It features 23-25 weapons stations and a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, making it a versatile strike fighter. The aircraft is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and will also be permanently based at Kadena Air Base in Japan, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Kenneth Daniel Williams, a bombardier in the 351st Bomb Group, was shot down over Bremen, Germany, on November 26, 1943, and captured at Stalag Luft I. The Nazis exploited his flight jacket's name for propaganda, labeling American pilots as gangsters. However, this backfired, as Allied pilots embraced the term. Williams was liberated by the Red Army on May 1, 1945.

Canada is deliberating on the purchase of 88 F-35s, with Prime Minister Mark Carney considering the implications of U.S. influence and potential alternatives like the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Celebrations occurred at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth facility for the first Canadian F-35, while political pressures from the U.S. complicate the decision-making process regarding defense procurement.

On February 3, U.S. military forces shot down an Iranian drone in the Arabian Sea while it approached the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The drone's intentions were unclear, but no U.S. personnel or equipment were harmed. Iran stated the drone was on a legitimate reconnaissance mission when it lost contact. President Trump confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iran regarding various issues.

The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered 34 Aliaca vertical take-off and landing systems from Airbus Helicopters for the French Navy, with deliveries starting in May 2026. This new version enhances operational flexibility and is designed for various missions, including surveillance and search and rescue. The Aliaca VTOL has been tested on land and at sea, demonstrating its capabilities.

Babcock International Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with ASELSAN on February 03, 2026, to develop a Surface Electronic Warfare Threat training system for the Royal Air Force. This collaboration aims to enhance training capabilities by providing advanced simulations of modern Integrated Air Defence Systems, preparing aircrew for complex missions. The partnership combines Babcock's operational understanding with ASELSAN's expertise in electronic warfare to create effective training environments.

Sisu Auto and ST Engineering signed an expression of interest in Singapore on February 3, 2026, to advance technology cooperation for developing Arctic-capable mobility platforms. This collaboration focuses on the SISU GTT articulated tracked vehicle and the TAURUS remotely operated vehicle system. Both companies plan to showcase their products at GRIFFIN 2026.

Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue to upgrade and maintain M60 Patton tanks, which have been modernized with 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced fire control systems. Spain announced plans to sell 260-300 M60s in 2024, while Iran has significantly modified its M60s for enhanced combat capabilities. The M60 remains a viable military asset due to its affordability and reliability.

Viasat, Inc. launched a new satellite service portfolio in London on February 2, 2026, aimed at enhancing government UAV operations. The portfolio includes various connectivity services designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and defense missions. Additionally, Viasat introduced lightweight terminals for UAVs to ensure reliable communications in challenging environments.

The U.S. has deployed a small team of military officers to Nigeria to enhance military collaboration following recent attacks. This deployment is part of ongoing efforts to support Nigeria in combating armed groups, including Boko Haram and the Islamic State. The U.S. Africa Command's General Dagvin R.M. Anderson confirmed the deployment, which follows a meeting with Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu.

The U.S. Air Force proposed the FB-22 as a stealthy strike platform to enhance its capabilities during the early 2000s. The design aimed to modify the F-22 Raptor for ground attack roles, but the project was ultimately sidelined due to changing military priorities and budget limitations. The FB-22 was envisioned to supplement existing bombers and replace some functions of the F-15E Strike Eagle.

The Chinese Air Force August 1st Aerobatic Team performed a flight demonstration with six J-10C fighter jets at the 10th Singapore Airshow, which opened on March 3, 2023. This marked the team's first public appearance with the new aircraft model in Singapore.

Europe's FCAS program struggles with industrial governance and design authority disputes, risking an airpower gap in the 2030s-2040s. Germany and France's conflicting priorities may lead to reliance on the U.S. F-35 or the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as alternatives. The situation highlights the challenges of maintaining European military autonomy and strategic partnerships.

ST Engineering unveiled the EagleStrike, a new loitering munition, at the Singapore Airshow in 2026. This precision-strike weapon is designed for ground forces to engage high-value targets beyond line of sight. It features vehicle-launch capabilities, a dual-mode warhead, and advanced sensors for accurate targeting.

The U.S. Navy is seeking commercial satellites capable of nighttime Earth observation to enhance its data collection capabilities. The focus is on electro-optical systems that have reached a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or higher. Contractors are required to provide detailed information on sensor capabilities and data processing methods. The deadline for submissions is February 22.

The U.S. Navy is seeking commercial satellites capable of nighttime Earth observation to enhance data collection and inform future collaborations. The focus is on electro-optical systems with a Technology Readiness Level of 6 or higher. Contractors must provide details on sensor capabilities, data processing, and security measures. The RFI deadline is February 22, 2024.