Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is seeking companies to develop a deployable cleaning system to address the clutch sludge problem in the F-35B, as outlined in a notice posted on July 9, 2023. This issue affects the aircraft's operational readiness, and the Navy aims to expedite the evaluation of cleaning processes to maintain fleet availability. The F-35B is crucial for Marine Corps operations, and a field-deployable solution is preferred to minimize downtime.

The USS Boxer amphibious assault ship diverted to Diego Garcia for repairs after experiencing engine failure while en route to support military operations in Iran. This incident interrupted its planned reinforcement mission. Following repairs, the USS Boxer is expected to resume operations in the region, including maritime interception tasks related to Iran.

MAURIC partnered with Couach to construct 24 coastal surveillance patrol vessels for the Maritime Gendarmerie, with the first unit expected by 2029. The contract was awarded on 29 June 2026, and five vessels will be deployed overseas in French Guiana, Mayotte, and New Caledonia. The vessels will support maritime policing, counter-trafficking, and search and rescue missions.

Rheinmetall is supplying the Kuwaiti Naval Forces with Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS) and Omnitrap ammunition for eight vessels. The contract, valued in the low double-digit million-euro range, will begin delivery in the second quarter of 2026 and conclude in the second quarter of 2029. The MASS system enhances protection against threats such as anti-ship missiles and laser-guided weapons.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $60.4 million contract to Northrop Grumman for the development of the Optical Detection and Identification Node (ODIN), an enhanced sensor for the Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) system. This system protects military cargo planes from shoulder-fired missiles known as MANPADS. The project will be conducted at Northrop Grumman's facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, and is expected to be completed by April 30, 2029.

X-Bow Launch Systems secured an $11 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency on July 2, 2023, to develop a high-performance solid rocket motor. This initiative aims to diversify the current supplier base dominated by two companies, enhancing the U.S. military's missile capabilities. The project will take place at X-Bow's facilities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with a performance period extending from July 2026 to July 2028. The company has also made significant advancements in manufacturing technology, including a successful test of the Ballesta-34 motor.

The U.S. Navy awarded Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace a $50.3 million contract modification on July 2, 2025, for additional launcher missile modules supporting the NMESIS system. This system enables the Marine Corps to launch Naval Strike Missiles from unmanned ground vehicles, enhancing their anti-ship capabilities. The contract reflects a broader modernization strategy and involves international collaboration across NATO countries.

An F-15EX Eagle II landed at Kadena Air Base on June 29, 2026, as part of preparations for its deployment. The U.S. Air Force's 67th Fighter Squadron will operate the aircraft, which is set to replace older F-15C/D models. This deployment follows the Valiant Shield 26 exercise and aims to enhance air defense and strike capabilities in the region.

Tanaka TakashiFri Jul 10 2026Loading...

Quantum Systems expanded its operations in Tallinn, Estonia, on 10 July 2026, by acquiring SensusQ, a local intelligence software company. This acquisition enhances Quantum Systems' capabilities in data analysis for defense and security. The new office will integrate local engineering talent and strengthen the company's presence along NATO's Eastern Flank.

The Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant in Russia completed 20 Su-35 jets for Iran, causing delays for the Russian Aerospace Forces as export orders take precedence. Deliveries to Russia's air force are expected to slow for the next two to three years, highlighting logistical challenges in military aircraft production amid multiple international commitments.

The Pentagon plans to reprogram $4.3 billion from its Fiscal Year 2026 budget to cover increased personnel and operational costs. This includes $1.1 billion for Army personnel and significant reallocations within the Navy and Air Force budgets. The adjustments reflect the need to address unforeseen military requirements and maintain readiness amid ongoing operations.

Space Force selected two startup companies, Impulse Space and Relativity Federal, for future national security launch missions. Both firms will receive a $5 million contract to assess capabilities and compete for upcoming contracts. The Space Force anticipates conducting over 100 missions in the next five years, with a significant increase in demand for launch capabilities.

HMS Ambush, a Royal Navy Astute-class submarine, has not been operational since August 2022 and is currently at Faslane, Scotland, being stripped for parts to maintain other submarines. One-fifth of Britain's nuclear attack submarine force is effectively non-operational, with a recovery plan initiated in January 2026 to address logistical challenges. The Royal Navy is facing significant shortages in dry docks, spare parts, and qualified engineers, jeopardizing its operational readiness.

The U.S. Navy plans to launch the next phase of its marketplace for high-capacity, medium-sized drone boats on August 1. This initiative focuses on medium unmanned surface vessels (MUSVs) designed to enhance logistics support and operational readiness. The Navy is shifting its procurement strategy to a marketplace format while maintaining control over the MUSV program, despite new oversight from the Pentagon.

The demand for HIMARS has surged due to its successful deployment in Ukraine, prompting Lockheed Martin to double production to 96 launchers in 2024. Countries like Poland, Estonia, and Canada have placed significant orders, while HIMARS has also been utilized in operations against Iran. Despite its effectiveness, challenges remain with ammunition supply, impacting operational capabilities.

The K9 Thunder howitzer, produced by South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace, has become the most exported tracked self-propelled howitzer globally, outselling competitors like the American M109 Paladin and German PzH 2000. Its success is attributed to rapid delivery, technology transfer, competitive pricing, and a self-sufficient production model. Eleven nations, including Poland and India, have adopted the K9, which is designed for quick firing and mobility, making it a preferred choice in the defense market.

Poland committed to purchasing up to 1,000 K2 Black Panther tanks from South Korea, with plans to produce 820 of them domestically under license. This initiative aims to rebuild Poland's tank industry and create over 10,000 jobs. The production of the K2PL variant is set to begin around 2028, marking a significant shift from being a buyer to a manufacturer of military equipment.

The U.S. Army selected four companies—Caterpillar, Forterra, IDV USA, and Overland AI—to participate in the Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability program in Washington. This initiative aims to develop unmanned systems for rapidly breaching obstacles and minefields, minimizing personnel exposure. Contracts are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with subsequent demonstrations and tests planned for early next year.

Fincantieri signed two Memoranda of Understanding with Croatian shipbuilding companies Brodotrogir Cruise d.o.o and Iskra Shipyard LLC to support the Multi Role Corvette program. The agreements aim to enhance local shipbuilding capabilities and foster industrial cooperation in Croatia. This initiative reflects the commitment to strengthen defense sector collaboration between Italy and Croatia.

The Pentagon and Silicon Valley are actively pursuing the development of space-based solar power technology to enhance military logistics. The U.S. Air Force has contracted Overview Energy to study its applications in conflict zones like Guam and remote areas such as Alaska and Greenland. The technology aims to provide electricity without relying on vulnerable fuel supply chains, with a demonstration planned for 2028 and commercial operations expected by 2030.