Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force conducted Exercise Dragon Shield at Beale Air Force Base in 2026, testing the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's ability to launch and recover U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft under simulated contested conditions. Airmen operated in protective gear, focusing on maintaining safety and speed while preparing for intelligence missions. The exercise highlighted the importance of ISR capabilities in high-threat environments and the need for effective coordination among maintenance crews and aircrew.

The U.S. has significantly increased military transport flights and equipment deliveries to the Middle East since late 2025, focusing on bases in Jordan, Israel, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. This includes the transfer of air defense systems, tanks, and other military equipment. U.S. Air Force fighter aircraft are concentrated at the Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan, while the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group has moved to the Indian Ocean.

Danish soldiers have been deployed to Greenland with live ammunition and specific orders to engage in combat if the U.S. unexpectedly attacks. This unusual readiness state includes the use of KUP ammunition, typically reserved for responding to coups or hostile invasions. The deployment reflects Denmark's precautionary measures in light of potential threats.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed the 56th Rescue Generation Squadron received its final HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter at Aviano Air Base, Italy, completing its transition to the new combat rescue platform. This delivery enhances the squadron's operational capabilities for rescue missions across Europe, replacing the older HH-60G Pave Hawk. The HH-60W is designed for high-threat environments and supports various special missions.

GM Defense launched GM Defense UK this week to support the United Kingdom's defense priorities and engage with the Ministry of Defence. The new entity will operate from Leamington Spa and Silverstone, focusing on the upcoming Light Mobility Vehicle program competition. Team LionStrike, led by GM Defense, aims to position itself as a domestic industrial partner, enhancing local support and sustainment for the British Army's light mobility fleet.

U.S. Central Command awarded a contract to Raft on January 22 for the deployment of the Raft AI Mission System (R)AIMS, designed for battlefield operations. The system enables military units to build and deploy computer vision models in real time, enhancing operational capabilities. It integrates with existing military systems and supports various mission scenarios, addressing key gaps in military AI applications.

Castelion launched Project Ranger, a hypersonic weapons production facility in Sandoval County, New Mexico, with a $220 million investment. The project will create 300 jobs and aims to enhance U.S. manufacturing capacity for hypersonic strike systems. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by state and military officials, and the facility is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, supporting continuous production workflows.

Valkyrie Enterprises signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BAE Systems OneArc in Orlando, Florida, on January 21, 2026, to enhance military training and simulation systems. This partnership aims to integrate Valkyrie's Joint Theater Level Simulation – Global Operations (JTLS-GO) with OneArc's simulation tools, supporting the U.S. Department of War and allied nations. The agreement was formalized during the I/ITSEC conference and focuses on improving interoperability for NATO and allied forces.

Safran Federal Systems successfully demonstrated the Blacknaute inertial navigation system aboard a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on January 21. The system proved capable of maintaining precise navigation in GPS-denied environments, with a drift of less than 0.4 nautical miles per hour. This capability is crucial for modern military operations facing electronic threats, and the system is designed for rapid integration into existing Army aviation platforms.

The U.S. Army awarded a contract to HERE on January 21, 2026, to develop an AI-based data interoperability layer for its command-and-control systems. This project aims to modernize legacy systems and improve data sharing across military applications while maintaining existing infrastructure. HERE will collaborate with Stony Brook University to enhance analyst workflows and reduce integration challenges.

Protopia AI was awarded a contract under the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's SHIELD program on January 20, 2026, valued at $151 billion. This contract aims to enhance missile defense capabilities through the integration of advanced AI technologies. Protopia AI will focus on developing privacy-preserving AI solutions for defense and intelligence operations, reflecting the growing demand for secure data processing in military applications.

Denmark placed a $610 million order for three TPY-4 fixed air defense radars from Lockheed Martin in December 2023, with plans to station them in Skagen, Bornholm, the Faroe Islands, and possibly eastern Greenland. This acquisition is deemed essential for Denmark's national air defense and reflects ongoing tensions with the U.S. over Greenland's status. Other Nordic nations have also procured similar radar systems from Lockheed Martin.

Four soldiers from the 82nd Group Army were awarded the title of 'Special Marksman' at a shooting range. This recognition highlights their exceptional military skills and psychological resilience. The awards were part of a broader initiative to enhance combat readiness through rigorous training and skill assessments.

Danish soldiers in Greenland are prepared for combat with live ammunition and have received orders to engage if the U.S. attacks. The Danish Ministry of Defense is enhancing its defense capabilities, including deploying the frigate Peter Willemoes and conducting patrols with F-35 fighter jets. This operation involves coordination with NATO allies from Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK.

ANELLO Photonics was awarded $20 million by the Department of War on January 22, 2026, to accelerate the development of GPS-denied navigation technology. This funding is part of the APFIT program aimed at transitioning innovative technologies into operational use. The award highlights the increasing need for reliable navigation solutions in contested environments, building on ANELLO's previous defense contracts.

Nuclear deterrence has re-emerged as a central theme in global security, with European powers enhancing coordination for integrated deterrence. The Middle East avoided nuclear escalation despite U.S. military actions against Iran, while the India-Pakistan crisis underscored the risks of nuclear confrontation. China demonstrated its strategic nuclear capabilities, reflecting the evolving landscape of nuclear security in 2025.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force received at least 6 domestically produced unmanned underwater vehicles on January 20. These torpedo-like vehicles may be compatible with torpedo launch tubes and can be launched from submarines. The development of these vehicles is part of Japan's efforts to enhance its underwater defense capabilities in response to a complex security environment.

Spain's Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, urged the European Union to establish a joint military force as a deterrent on January 21, 2020. He emphasized the importance of integrating defense resources among EU member states. An emergency meeting of EU leaders was scheduled in Brussels to discuss the U.S. threat regarding Greenland, highlighting the need for a coordinated military response.

Approximately 3,000 U.S. Marines are being deployed to Norway in March 2023 for NATO's Cold Response 26 military exercise, which will involve over 30,000 personnel from various NATO countries. The exercise aims to enhance NATO's operational capabilities in the Arctic amid rising tensions related to Greenland and increased Russian military activity in the region. U.S. military leaders have highlighted the importance of this exercise for future deterrence and alliance commitments.

The Second Mobile Division of the Armed Police organized a competition for instructors to test their training capabilities and enhance soldiers' enthusiasm for training. This event aims to promote the deep development of practical training personnel within the military.