Analysis & Reports

BAE Systems successfully demonstrated a modular electromagnetic attack system in collaboration with the United States Air Force on February 23, 2026. The system, tested on a prototype unmanned aerial vehicle, is designed to generate scalable electromagnetic effects to disrupt enemy communications and command networks. This innovation allows for broader deployment across various military platforms, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities.

BAE Systems successfully demonstrated a modular electromagnetic attack system on February 23, 2026, in Hudson, NH, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force. The system is designed to neutralize adversary air defenses and can be integrated into various platforms, including UAVs. This demonstration highlights the capability to deliver scalable electromagnetic effects across the battlefield.

Anduril's drone wingman commenced armed flight testing in Aurora, Colorado, this month, following captive carry evaluations with inert munitions. The U.S. Air Force is collaborating with Anduril on this program, which aims to integrate advanced weapon systems into drone technology. Live firing tests are scheduled for 2026, as part of a broader initiative involving multiple defense contractors.

Anduril's drone wingman began armed flight testing in Aurora, Colorado, this month as part of the U.S. Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program. The Air Force is currently conducting evaluations with inert munitions, with plans for live firing tests in 2026. This development involves multiple companies, including General Atomics and Northrop Grumman, aiming to enhance military capabilities.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley advised President Trump on February 23, 2023, that military action against Iran could lead to significant risks, including a prolonged conflict. The Trump administration is currently debating how to respond to the situation with Iran, with some advisors advocating for caution. Trump publicly denied claims that Milley opposes military action, stating that the decision ultimately rests with him and expressing a preference for reaching an agreement with Iran.

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear cases regarding the vaccine mandate affecting Air Force personnel, which resulted in the discharge of over 8,400 members. From 2022 to 2025, approximately 17,000 service members refused the vaccine, with 126 returning to service after the mandate was rescinded. An executive order signed by President Trump in January 2025 provided for the reinstatement of discharged personnel with back pay.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is developing long-range standoff weapons for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian in San Diego as of February 23, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities to hold targets at risk over vast distances, particularly in the Western Pacific. GA-ASI plans to integrate and test these new weapons, responding to increasing demand from military forces.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which executed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise underscores the Air Force's focus on enhancing combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which performed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters through unmanned systems.

Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division conducted Arctic warfare training at the Yukon Training Area in Alaska during JPMRC Rotation 26-02. They faced significant logistical challenges due to extreme cold, impacting the use of drones and tablets. The division is exploring new equipment and strategies to enhance operational effectiveness in harsh conditions, while plans for a sustainment brigade are underway to improve logistics.

The U.S. Army concluded its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. The Army emphasizes the need to scale drone production rapidly to counter threats from adversarial nations.

The U.S. Army held its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within the next 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. He emphasized the urgency of scaling drone production to counter threats from adversarial nations.

Four military working dogs died due to inadequate kennel conditions at various U.S. bases from fiscal year 2021 through 2023. The Pentagon report revealed that many kennels failed to protect dogs from extreme weather and health hazards, leading to neglect and health issues. The Air Force is revising kennel standards and has initiated costly upgrades to improve conditions for military working dogs.

Denmark established Squadron 729 to operate four MQ-9B drones from Aalborg Air Base starting in 2028. Canada signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark to utilize 11 MQ-9B drones for Arctic surveillance. Both nations aim to enhance operational efficiency through potential logistics and maintenance cooperation, despite challenges posed by long distances to strategic locations in Greenland. Experts suggest Keflavík Air Base in Iceland as a viable option for joint operations.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. conducted a demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming with the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2026. The MQ-20 Avenger operated autonomously alongside the F-22 Raptor, showcasing advanced integration and tactical coordination. The mission involved live engagement and highlighted the capabilities of autonomous systems to execute commands from manned platforms.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the YFQ-42A Dark Merlin, a new uncrewed fighter aircraft, on 23 February 2026 in San Diego. The Dark Merlin is designed for collaborative combat and has achieved significant milestones in flight testing, including successful autonomous operations. GA-ASI expects the aircraft to enter production as FQ-42A, reflecting its advanced capabilities in modern air combat.

The Southern Theater Command Air Force is conducting regular emergency takeoffs from the Southeast Coast, with aerial refueling aircraft on standby for operations. This high-frequency readiness reflects the unit's ongoing military operations in response to potential threats.

An MQ-20 drone executed tactical maneuvers under the command of an F-22 pilot during a mock combat mission at Edwards Air Force Base in California earlier this month. This demonstration highlighted the integration of advanced autonomous systems and the capabilities of the drone to perform combat patrols and threat engagement tasks. General Atomics is actively involved in developing collaborative combat aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. Army announced an Industry Day for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 program, scheduled for March 23–24, 2026, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This event will outline plans for a competitive missile fly-off aimed at developing an extended-range precision strike capability, with a focus on engaging targets beyond 1,000 kilometers. The program seeks to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments where GPS may be denied.

The U.S. Army briefly released and then deleted photos of the 'Dark Eagle' hypersonic missile on the 21st, showcasing its readiness for combat deployment. The missile, developed for long-range strikes, can reach speeds of 17 Mach and has a range exceeding 3800 kilometers. The deletion of the photos remains unexplained, raising questions about operational security or administrative error.