Analysis & Reports

A U.S. veteran participated in a virtual reality therapy program developed by Neurova Labs to treat PTSD and traumatic brain injury sustained in May 2014. Over three weeks, the veteran reported improvements in sleep quality and stress management. The program, launched in 2024, emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, allowing veterans to engage in therapy at their convenience. While not a replacement for traditional treatments, it serves as a valuable entry point for further mental health care.

Russia used export-version S-400 missiles to strike ground targets in Ukraine, marking the first recorded use of these missiles in combat. The 48N6E2 missiles, originally intended for foreign customers, were confirmed to have been diverted from an Indian contract. The strikes reflect Russia's reliance on export stockpiles as its own missile reserves dwindle.

The U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider is designed to counter advanced Russian air defenses, including the S-500. It features enhanced stealth capabilities and operates as a multi-role bomber and command-and-control node. Recent upgrades to U.S. stealth platforms aim to maintain superiority against evolving threats. Russian claims about the S-500's ability to detect stealth aircraft remain unverified, but the B-21's design incorporates advanced technologies to ensure mission success.

David Lockwood announced his retirement as group chief executive of Babcock International Group on 23 January 2026, with Harry Holt, the current CEO of Babcock's nuclear business, set to succeed him. Lockwood has led the company through a successful transformation since September 2020, and Holt's leadership has resulted in significant revenue growth in the nuclear sector. Holt will initially assume the role of deputy CEO before officially succeeding Lockwood later in the year.

The U.S. Army tested the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) data layer prototype at Schofield Barracks this week, involving the 25th Infantry Division. This test is part of the Lightning Surge initiative aimed at enhancing decision-making through AI integration. Lockheed Martin is developing the data layer to improve command and control capabilities, with future events planned to further refine these systems.

The U.S. Army tested the NGC2 data layer prototype at Schofield Barracks this week, focusing on enhancing command and control capabilities through AI. This test is part of the Lightning Surge initiative, which aims to improve decision-making speed and data accessibility for the 25th Infantry Division. Lockheed Martin is involved in developing this integrated data layer, with future events planned to further advance these capabilities.

Elbit Systems UK has completed the full acquisition of UTACS, securing all necessary regulatory and government clearances. This acquisition enhances Elbit's position in the defense sector in the United Kingdom.

Bulgaria approved a $205 million project to purchase Naval Strike Missiles to enhance its coastal defense capabilities. The deal, conducted with the U.S. government, is expected to see payments concentrated between 2029 and 2030. This acquisition follows a similar purchase by Romania and is part of a broader effort to counter increased Russian military activity in the Black Sea.

Congress increased funding for the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program to $972 million for 2026, reviving its development. The F/A-XX aims to enhance stealth and range capabilities to counter China's expanding military fleet. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the primary contractors, with the program reflecting growing concerns over Chinese advancements in fifth and sixth-generation aircraft.

President Trump announced a 10% tariff on U.S. imports from various European countries on 17 January, in response to opposition to U.S. control over Greenland. This action may impact the European defense industry and U.S.-European relations.

Denmark's Ministry of Defense announced that military exercises named 'Arctic Resolve' are ongoing in Greenland, starting January 23, 2023, and will continue until the end of 2026. Troops from NATO countries, including Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, are participating in these exercises.

The U.S. Navy has cancelled its next-generation DDG(X) destroyer program to focus on the Trump-class battleship, which displaces over 35,000 tons and is designed to carry advanced weaponry. Critics warn that the estimated cost of $8-10 billion per hull is unsustainable and that the centralized battleship concept contradicts modern naval strategies. The program is in the design phase, with construction of the lead ship projected to begin in the early 2030s.

The Southern Theater Command Navy conducted realistic combat training exercises in the South China Sea, where naval vessels detected aerial targets and engaged them with artillery. Helicopters were deployed for troop transport and rapid response. The exercises included various tasks such as resupply and helicopter operations, enhancing combat readiness.

The U.S. Navy has unveiled plans for the Trump-class battleship, which will feature advanced weaponry such as railguns, lasers, and hypersonic missiles. The fleet is expected to consist of 15 to 25 ships, designed to deliver precision-guided lethality. Rear Adm. Derek Trinque highlighted that these ships represent a modern evolution of naval warfare, moving beyond traditional WWII-era designs.

The Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon is compared to the F-22 Raptor, highlighting its speed advantage but lack of combat experience. The J-20 is faster and cheaper, with superior stealth in certain angles, while the F-22 excels in maneuverability and has seen combat. The J-20's lack of a cannon limits its versatility compared to the F-22.

The B-36 Peacemaker was developed by the U.S. during World War II to strike Europe directly from North America. It entered service in 1948 with the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Air Command and was the largest piston-engine aircraft ever built, capable of carrying heavy bomb loads over long distances. The aircraft played a crucial role in U.S. nuclear deterrence until its retirement in 1959.

NATO is preparing for a potential Arctic mission but has not begun planning due to a lack of political guidance. European NATO members have proposed an increased presence in the Arctic to counter potential threats from Russia and China. The organization is aware of the changing security dynamics in the region and has several military exercises planned for the coming months.

NATO is preparing for a potential Arctic mission but has not begun planning due to a lack of political guidance. European NATO members have proposed increasing presence in the Arctic to counter Russian and Chinese threats. NATO officials emphasize the importance of military readiness and capability enhancement in the region, with several exercises planned in the coming months.

The UK Ministry of Defence awarded BAE Systems a £453.5 million contract to produce 38 ECRS Mk2 radars for the Royal Air Force's Typhoon aircraft. This radar will enhance electronic warfare capabilities, allowing for improved detection and tracking of multiple targets. The production is expected to support approximately 1,300 jobs across the UK defense sector and is scheduled to enter service by the end of the decade.

The Italian Army received its first SAMP/T NG and GRIFO air defense systems as part of a modernization program. This delivery includes advanced capabilities to counter aerial threats, with SAMP/T NG utilizing the Aster B1NT missile and GRIFO employing the CAMM ER missile. The deployment aims to enhance Italy's air defense network and aligns with NATO's integrated defense efforts.