Analysis & Reports

Elbit Systems secured contracts worth approximately $200 million for airborne intelligence systems from an undisclosed customer in the Asia-Pacific region.

Britain declined to join the Canada-led Defence, Security and Resilience Bank, opting instead to collaborate with Canada on defense funding initiatives. Both nations will establish a framework for cooperation, focusing on distinct but complementary institutions. The DSRB, based in Canada, aims to raise €100 billion to support defense projects and has faced challenges in securing support from larger European nations.

Saronic Technologies' Corsair drone boats operated alongside U.S., UK, and Australian forces during the Maritime Big Play Pacific demonstration in San Diego in October 2023. The boats conducted various mission scenarios, including resupplying a pier and participating in a trilateral operation. This event showcased advanced military technology under the AUKUS partnership.

Skyborne Technologies' Cerberus MI drone has been approved for use by the U.S. military as of October 26, 2026. This reusable drone can fire 40 mm grenades and 12-gauge shotgun rounds, and is designed to return for reloading after missions. It meets the Blue UAS standards for cybersecurity and supply chain integrity, allowing military units to operate it without exceptions.

Aeon Industrial unveiled the Armory, a 140,000-square-foot missile plant in Austin, Texas, aiming to enhance production of missile systems and interceptors. The company is already producing 10,000 MERC fuzes and has received orders for 60,000 attack drones. Aeon plans to initiate production in the coming months and is developing a second facility to further expand its capabilities.

The U.S. Marine Corps tested a new air-defense dashboard prototype at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, on October 5. This tool integrates threat and resource data to enhance command and control for air defense operations. Developed rapidly by the Overmatch Rapid Capability Cell, it incorporates feedback from multiple Marine Aircraft Wings and will be beta tested in upcoming large-scale exercises.

The U.S. Army awarded General Dynamics a $135.9 million contract modification for upgrading the Stryker armored vehicle's power system on October 26, 2023. This raises the total contract value to $162.4 million, with work expected to continue until August 8, 2030. The upgrades involve retrofit kits for the Enhanced Power Distribution Unit Version 2, although specific details on quantities and installation timelines were not disclosed.

The U.S. Air Force has initiated production of the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon, awarding a $694 million contract to Lockheed Martin on September 29, 2023. This hypersonic missile is intended to enhance the Air Force's capability to strike high-value targets from long distances, overcoming enemy air defenses. The decision marks a significant shift from previous plans to abandon the program, reflecting renewed commitment to hypersonic weaponry.

The UN investigation accuses Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Palestinian territories, particularly in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, since October 7, 2023. The report highlights ongoing genocidal actions against Palestinians, even after a ceasefire was announced. It calls for Israel to cease its illegal occupation and return confiscated properties to Palestinians.

U.S. Army Pacific Command has made significant progress in upgrading communication networks for joint military exercises with allies, including Japan and Australia. Recent exercises, such as Balikatan and Yama Sakura, demonstrated the ability to share real-time data and improve command and control capabilities. The integration of advanced technologies, including drones, is enhancing operational coordination in potential conflicts in the Pacific region.

The U.S. Air Force tested its 'Rocket Cargo' concept on October 20, 2023, at Cape Canaveral, Florida, launching supplies to a unit in the Pacific. This test demonstrated the potential for rapid supply delivery using a SpaceX Starfall capsule, which carried survival gear and other essential equipment. The initiative aims to enhance logistics capabilities for troops in contested environments.

The Pentagon directed the establishment of a new Air National Guard Special Tactics Squadron in Florida, set to be funded from the fiscal year 2027 budget. This unit aims to enhance the integration of National Guard and active duty forces within the U.S. Special Operations Command. It will be one of only a few Air National Guard units composed of special operations personnel, contributing to national defense efforts.

Pilots evaluate the F-16C Block 30 as one of the best dogfighters, outperforming the Super Hornet and Mirage 2000 in various scenarios. The F-22 Raptor is identified as its most serious close-range opponent. The F-16 has evolved into a multirole combat aircraft, and U.S. Air Force pilots are transitioning to the F-35 as part of modernization efforts.

The U.S. Army practiced temporary burial operations for fallen soldiers in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on October 20, 2026. This exercise involved engineers and specialists testing methods for efficiently digging graves while preserving remains for identification. The Army aims to improve its protocols for mass casualty incidents in future conflicts, particularly in scenarios where evacuation of remains may not be feasible.

Castelion is integrating its Blackbeard hypersonic missile onto the F-16 fighter jet as part of a contract modification from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory announced on October 26, 2023. The Blackbeard missile is designed to exceed Mach 5 and is intended for mass production. This integration follows similar efforts with the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Helsing announced the launch of the Contra air defense system in Washington, designed to protect against drone and missile attacks. The system can engage multiple threats simultaneously and is complemented by two new interceptor missiles, the AD-1 Inferno and AD-2 Ambush. These developments are part of a broader push for lower-cost interceptors across NATO nations.

Senators Elissa Slotkin and Mark Kelly requested clarification from the Department of War regarding the command and legal authority of the National Guard's quick reaction forces, which number over 23,000 troops. They expressed concerns about the potential deployment of these forces during elections and the implications for civil rights. The senators set an October 28 deadline for responses, emphasizing the need for clarity on the legal framework governing the use of these troops in domestic situations.

Canada received its first two CF-35A fighters from the U.S. in 2023, while the government reviews its procurement strategy for a total of 88 F-35s. The Royal Canadian Air Force is considering whether to proceed with the remaining 72 aircraft or to operate a mixed fleet with Saab Gripen fighters. The decision is influenced by political factors and ongoing debates about military spending and capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52J upgrade program is over budget by more than 30% and delayed by over 3 years, as reported by the GAO on July 31, 2026. A plane crash in June 2026 at Edwards Air Force Base halted radar testing, while the program aims to modernize the B-52 fleet with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and advanced radar systems to extend operational capability into the 2050s.

The Pentagon is accelerating efforts to boost domestic drone production through initiatives like the Drone Dominance program, which involves competitions for contracts totaling $1 billion over two years. Concerns about the sustainability of demand and funding uncertainties persist among industry leaders. The Army aims to equip every squad with small drones by the end of fiscal 2026, but the proposed $55 billion funding package remains stalled in Congress.