Analysis & Reports

The 11th Airborne Division is actively training soldiers for operations in extreme cold conditions in Alaska, emphasizing leadership and trust. Maj. Gen. John Cogbill highlights the need for specialized equipment and tactics, including the Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle and drones, to adapt to Arctic warfare. The division collaborates with academic partners to address engineering challenges and maintains a focus on operational readiness and power projection in the region.

Israel Aerospace Industries and SIG SAUER conducted a live-fire test of the FIRE STORM 250 drone in Washington on October 13. The drone, equipped with the M250 machine gun, demonstrated its targeting capabilities and accuracy during the trial. Designed for small tactical units, it offers close air support and border security with a flight endurance of up to three hours.

The 101st Airborne Division is preparing for large-scale air assaults, expected to deploy 1,500 to 2,500 soldiers. They are incorporating new technologies and training for Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault (L2A2) operations. The division will receive the MV-75 Cheyenne aircraft in 2025 and has expanded its helicopter capabilities with additional CH-47s. Training exercises have included the use of the MV-22 Osprey to simulate future operations.

USS Thresher (SSN-593) sank off Cape Cod on April 10, 1963, during deep-dive tests, resulting in the loss of 129 personnel. A chain of failures, including a brazed pipe joint that allowed seawater to flood the engine room, led to reactor scram and loss of control. The incident prompted the U.S. Navy to reevaluate submarine safety and establish the SUBSAFE program to enhance construction and maintenance standards.

Northrop Grumman and Barrett Firearms announced their collaboration to manufacture a 25 mm grenade launcher for the Precision Grenadier System during the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington on October 12, 2023. This system is designed to enable infantry squads to effectively target enemies behind cover and engage small drones. Barrett will produce the launcher in Nashville, while Northrop Grumman leads the overall system development and ammunition production.

MARTAC integrated SEA.AI's maritime machine vision system into its unmanned surface vessels, enhancing their ability to autonomously classify and monitor other vessels. This integration was announced on October 13, 2023, and is part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to improve operational capabilities in surveillance and security missions. The Devil Ray T38 successfully completed an eight-day autonomous mission off California, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology in real-world scenarios.

Echodyne and Allen Control Systems signed a collaboration agreement to integrate EchoShield radar with the Bullfrog autonomous weapon station for counter-drone operations. This partnership aims to enhance the capabilities of U.S. forces by providing advanced tracking and engagement systems for drones. The Bullfrog system is already in service with U.S. military branches and has been selected for various defense contracts, including a $6.2 million deal with the U.S. Marine Corps.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) unveiled HawkGuard, a new active protection system against aerial threats, at the AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. on October 12, 2026. This system enhances IAI's multi-layered Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) architecture by introducing kinetic interception capabilities. HawkGuard is designed for flexible deployment on various platforms and aims to address the growing challenge posed by drones.

The U.S. Department of Defense is recruiting around 100 military personnel with experience in flying FPV drones as part of its drone dominance program, announced on October 8, 2023. This initiative, part of an $11 billion investment, aims to enhance the U.S. drone industry and establish a permanent roster of drone operators. Selected pilots will gain hands-on experience with advanced drone models and specialized training for attack drones.

The U.S. Air Force is advancing the development of the Boeing F-47 stealth fighter, with its first flight scheduled for 2028, while China is already operating its sixth-generation jets. The Air Force is employing a new testing strategy that combines developmental and operational testing to expedite the F-47's production. Preparations for full-rate production are currently underway at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

In 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler achieved a simulated kill against a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor during an exercise at Nellis Air Force Base. The Growler utilized electronic warfare tactics and maneuvered into the F-22's blind spots to lock on with an AIM-120 AMRAAM. This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of fifth-generation stealth fighters in constrained scenarios.

The U.S. Army unveiled the XM1776 howitzer prototype in Washington, D.C., which can fire up to 37 miles and has a crew of three. This new artillery piece, developed by Hanwha Defense USA, offers greater mobility and firepower than the M777 howitzer. The Army aims to enhance its long-range precision fire capabilities with this new system, which is part of a broader modernization effort.

Twenty-Six Defense unveiled Primex, a new soldier-worn technology, at the AUSA expo in Texas. This lightweight wearable provides soldiers with night-vision capabilities and augmented reality features to enhance situational awareness. The company also showcased additional military equipment, including the XM1168 mobile 120mm mortar system and the SkyStriker Block 4E.

International defense firms showcased a variety of military vehicles at the AUSA conference in Washington on October 12, 2026. The event featured drones, counter-drone technology, and new weapon systems, including Sierra Nevada's Brawlr air-defense system and Oshkosh's electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Colt Optics also displayed assault rifles with specialized optics.

USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) completed classified submarine operations of vital importance to U.S. national security and surfaced off Pearl Harbor needing repairs in January 2013. This operation, referred to as 'Mission-7', earned the submarine a Presidential Unit Citation. The USS Jimmy Carter is a unique Seawolf-class submarine designed for stealth and ISR missions, and it will be succeeded by USS Baltimore in 2036.

Five Army Rangers from the 3rd Ranger Battalion won all three awards in the 2026 Best Squad competition at Fort Benning, Georgia. Cpl. Michael Shield was named Soldier of the Year, and Staff Sgt. Colin Doyle was named non-commissioned officer of the year. The Rangers outperformed 12 other teams from major commands in a week-long competition held in September.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge missile interceptor in Washington, D.C., designed for enhanced agility against missile threats. The new system features a multi-pulse motor and is compatible with current missile defense networks. Testing is set to begin in 2027, with deployment targeted for 2031, although Lockheed aims to expedite this timeline.

The U.S. Navy canceled the construction of the USS Illinois (BB-65) at 20-25% completion on August 12, 1945, and the ship was subsequently scrapped in 1958. The battleship was laid down on December 6, 1942, and featured nine 16-inch Mark 7 guns. A bell from the ship is preserved at the University of Illinois, where it rings for touchdowns.

AEVEX showcases the Specter, a new jet-powered attack drone, at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington this week. The drone features swappable payload options and is designed for high-rate production. AEVEX, known for its military drones, has not disclosed specific performance details or customers for the Specter.

NASA's X-43A program tested hypersonic flight capabilities, achieving speeds of Mach 9.68 in November 2004. The program, which ran from the late 1990s to 2004, aimed to validate scramjet technology and was budgeted at $230 million. Following its success, NASA shifted focus to lunar exploration, resulting in the program's cancellation.