Analysis & Reports

The 7th Army Training Command in Hohenfels, Germany, reported a significant increase in the use of unmanned aerial systems during training exercises, rising from 400 to nearly 2,000. This includes over 1,000 consumable munitions. U.S. units are now mandated to have prior experience with drones, and Ukrainian units are participating in training to enhance effectiveness. The training centers are adapting to include diverse environments and threats, particularly in the Pacific theater.

The U.S. Air Force received over 30 proposals for flight tests of the AI-controlled X-62 VISTA during a symposium at Edwards Air Force Base in August 2023. The event attracted over 80 participants from various sectors, highlighting significant interest in the aircraft. The X-62, a modified F-16D, is currently undergoing upgrades to enhance its capabilities for future testing alongside other autonomous systems.

General George S. Patton developed the U.S. Army's tank corps and led significant tank exercises in the 1940s. He emphasized the independent use of tanks in warfare, which shaped U.S. armored strategies during World War II. Patton's contributions to tank warfare began in World War I and continued to influence military tactics until his death in 1945.

WingXpand unveiled the xPAIR, a removable control unit for drones and ground vehicles, on October 13, 2023, in Schaumburg, Illinois. This system allows for multi-domain operations across air, land, and water, utilizing a shared AI library and user interface. The technology is reportedly being adopted by the U.S. Department of War and has been demonstrated with U.S. Special Forces.

Skapion unveiled the world's first Native Counter-Swarm defense system in Washington, D.C. on October 14, 2026. This advanced air-defense capability is designed to detect and defeat large-scale drone swarm attacks, engaging over 100 targets simultaneously with a high interception rate. The system is supported by a $36 million funding round to enhance its development and validation.

Uvision showcased its eight-canister launcher for HERO 120 loitering munitions at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington on October 13, 2023. The launcher is designed for remote operation and integrates with the AI-enabled CORTEX mission management software. It can be deployed in various configurations and is aimed at enhancing strike capabilities for military applications.

The U.S. Army has transferred 600 soldiers to its newly established Space Operations Branch, creating the first permanent enlisted cadre of Tactical Space Operations Specialists. This selection process drew from a pool of nearly 3,000 applicants, emphasizing the Army's commitment to enhancing its space capabilities. Training for these specialists will take place at the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER successfully tested the FIRE STORM 250 unmanned system in Washington DC on October 13, 2026. The system demonstrated its capabilities in airborne surveillance and precision firepower, integrating a SIG SAUER MICROLIGHT Remote Controlled Weapon Station with a M250 machine gun. This innovative platform is designed for tactical missions, providing operational flexibility and extended reach for forces in the field.

The U.S. Army announced the conversion of its Futures and Concepts Command to the Futures and Autonomy Command (FASCOM) in Washington, D.C. on October 1. FASCOM will focus on integrating autonomous systems into military operations and will be part of the Defense Department's planned Autonomous Warfare Command. The commander of FASCOM will also oversee the Army's procurement efforts for these systems, ensuring human judgment remains in decision-making processes.

The USS Akron crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on April 4, 1933, during a storm, resulting in the deaths of 73 crew members. The USS Macon also crashed on February 12, 1935, due to structural failure, leading to 2 fatalities. Both airships were designed as flying aircraft carriers by the U.S. Navy but were lost within four years due to operational failures and adverse weather conditions.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the possibility of restarting military action against Iran with U.S. President Trump in October 2023. This conversation occurred ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections and Israeli parliamentary elections. Both the Israeli Defense Forces and U.S. Central Command are reportedly on high alert, preparing for any potential changes in Trump's stance regarding Iran.

BAE Systems unveiled new layered air-defense systems, including the Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon System (MDACS) and High-Power Microwave (HPM), designed to counter missiles and drones. These systems were introduced at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army. MDACS utilizes Hypervelocity Projectiles for both offensive and defensive operations, while HPM targets drone swarms with directed energy. Both systems aim to enhance protection for critical installations and field units.

In 2012, German Eurofighter Typhoons conducted aerial maneuvers during Red Flag exercises in Alaska, scoring mock kills on US F-22 Raptors. The Luftwaffe, consisting of eight Typhoons and 150 personnel, claimed victory, stating they had 'Raptor salad for lunch.' This incident raised concerns about the F-22's tactics and operational effectiveness against allied forces.

BAE Systems delivered the 100,000th APKWS guidance kit in early 2026, enhancing U.S. and allied forces' capabilities against low-cost drone threats. The kit has been integrated into platforms like the F-15E Strike Eagle and Eurofighter Typhoon, demonstrating effectiveness in air-to-air engagements. Production capacity is set to meet rising demand, supported by a $1.7 billion contract from the U.S. Navy.

The U.S. Army tested unmanned systems at Fort Bragg to enhance obstacle breaching and reduce exposure to battlefield hazards. Project Sandhills 2.0 involved various autonomous systems, including drones and trucks, and aims to inform future Army capabilities. The Army is transitioning to acquisition and organizational changes for these technologies, establishing the Futures and Autonomous Systems Command to integrate autonomous capabilities across military formations by fiscal 2028.

The U.S. Army is reviewing its emergency war gear stocks, planning changes based on insights from the war with Iran. This review, known as TAP2E, will assess the placement and readiness of prepositioned stocks, with a budget of $702 million allocated for the next year. The Army has identified at least seven stockpiles in North America, Asia, and Europe, and plans to establish an eighth in the southwest Indo-Pacific.

The U.S. Army is developing high-energy laser counter-drone weapons, with the first unit expected to be operational by early 2028. AeroVironment has been awarded a $464.8 million contract for the LOCUST X3 system, which will be delivered by Q4 of FY 2027. The Army aims to enhance its capabilities against unmanned aircraft systems, having already demonstrated successful engagements with a prototype.

USS Triton (SSRN-586) completed the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe in February 1960 under Captain Edward L. Beach Jr. The submarine, powered by two Westinghouse S4G nuclear reactors, was decommissioned on May 3, 1969, after less than a decade of service and was later scrapped. Triton was notable for its size, speed, and advanced technology for its time, including six torpedo tubes and air-search radar.

The 2026 AUSA trade show in Washington, D.C. featured a wide array of military technologies, including drones and counter-drone systems. The Ukrainian military showcased small drones, while various defense contractors displayed advanced equipment such as amphibious robots and thermal weapons sights. Notable participants included General Atomics and Hanwha Aerospace, highlighting innovations in unmanned systems.

General Dynamics showcased the Wolf XM30, a candidate to replace the M2 Bradley, along with the PERCH 2.0, M-SHORAD Increment 4, and F600 Leonidas at the AUSA annual meeting this week. The Army is currently testing the PERCH 2.0 prototype at Fort Hood, Texas, which enables tanks to launch loitering munitions while keeping operators protected. The M-SHORAD Increment 4 aims to enhance air-defense capabilities.