Analysis & Reports

The Space Force awarded $615 million in contracts to three companies, including Rocket Lab, to develop satellites for tracking airborne targets. Rocket Lab will create advanced Flatellites and launch them using its Neutron heavy-lift rocket. This initiative is part of the Space-Based Airborne Moving Target Indicator program, aimed at diversifying capabilities in satellite technology.

The U.S. Navy conducted a rocket test named Oriole IV on February 12, launching from White Sands Missile Range. The test created a plasma field in the upper atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, involving 42 sailors in its execution. This event is significant for advancements in missile defense and communication technologies.

Japan is expanding its military capabilities as outlined in the 2026 Defense White Paper, which highlights the need for enhanced long-range strike capabilities and unmanned systems. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are focusing on developing new offensive weapons and improving their defense industry. Additionally, Japan is increasing its military readiness in response to perceived threats in the region, particularly from China.

HMS Daring remains non-operational at Portsmouth Naval Base due to a shortage of 190 trained sailors following extensive repairs that lasted eight years. The Royal Navy's recruitment and retention issues have complicated the return of the Type 45 destroyer to service, highlighting broader logistical challenges within the fleet.

The U.S. Army is seeking industry input for the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), aimed at countering small unmanned aircraft systems. The Army plans to acquire at least 5,000 missiles, each costing under $150,000, with operational assessments expected by the first quarter of fiscal 2028. The missile must achieve extended ranges and integrate with existing launch systems.

The U.S. Army has consumed a significant portion of its precision long-range missile inventory, including nearly all Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during a five-month conflict with Iran. The U.S. has also depleted about 80% of its THAAD interceptors and half of its Patriot interceptors, leading to concerns about ammunition reserves. The White House asserts that the military has sufficient ammunition to meet strategic objectives.

Israel is currently discussing the development of a new generation of indigenous stealth aircraft and autonomous combat drones to enhance its defense autonomy amid concerns over U.S. defense policy. The Israeli Air Force is advocating for an indigenous platform to maintain operational freedom in case of future American arms embargoes. This debate recalls the legacy of the Lavi fighter program, which was canceled in the 1980s due to U.S. pressure.

Ukraine's military strategy emphasizes the integration of various unmanned systems to enhance battlefield effectiveness. The focus is on maintaining human control over autonomous systems and fostering resilience in manufacturing. This approach allows for rapid adaptation and innovation, distinguishing Ukraine's capabilities from larger defense establishments. The report highlights the importance of a cohesive ecosystem that connects military and industrial efforts to address battlefield challenges.

Mistral and Uvision completed the Lot Acceptance Tests for the HERO 120 loitering munition, fulfilling a key requirement for the US Army. This advancement indicates progress in the development of military equipment essential for operational capabilities.

Poland is expanding its procurement of Israeli defense technology, including 18 coastal surveillance radars and the Trophy Active Protection System for its K2PL tanks. Deliveries of the radars are scheduled between 2027 and 2030. This modernization effort is driven by security concerns over Russia, with Poland allocating 4.7% of its GDP to defense spending. Additionally, Poland plans to develop a multi-layered air defense system based on Israeli models.

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1990, participating in significant military operations including the Vietnam War and the Suez Canal Crisis. It was the first aircraft carrier to deploy the F/A-18 Hornet and fire a HARM missile in combat during Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986. The carrier underwent modernization in the late 1950s, extending its operational lifespan and enhancing its capabilities.

The US Navy canceled the construction of the USS Illinois, an Iowa-Class battleship, on August 12, 1945, when it was only 22 percent complete. The keel was laid on January 15, 1945, but the ship never left the building ways or was commissioned. The design included advanced features such as nine 16-inch guns and a speed of 33 knots, but the completion was deemed unnecessary after Japan's defeat.

The U.S. Air Force plans to continue using the M18 pistol as its sidearm, having issued approximately 125,000 units since 2019. The service has revalidated the M18's safety and reliability and does not intend to explore other handgun options until the current system nears the end of its service life. The M18 is a compact variant of the Army’s Modular Handgun System, designed to meet military requirements.

The U.S. military is facing a critical shortage of missiles, particularly Tomahawk cruise missiles and interceptor missiles, due to ongoing conflicts and procurement challenges. Iran is reportedly able to produce drones and ballistic missiles more efficiently, which complicates the U.S. military's strategic position. The Trump administration's military commitments have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant concerns about the U.S. Defense Industrial Base's capacity to meet future demands.

France is transitioning its automotive industry to produce military drones, forming partnerships with defense firms to enhance production capabilities. The French government aims to produce tens of thousands of drones annually, responding to the evolving military landscape influenced by the war in Ukraine. Key companies like Renault and Valeo are involved in developing various drone technologies and production methods to ensure rapid scalability in case of conflict.

Group 2 drones are increasingly utilized on the modern battlefield, leveraging fuel cell technology to enhance their capabilities. This technology enables smaller drones to perform tasks such as loitering and covering long distances while maintaining maneuverability and a reduced radar signature. The exploration highlights the evolving role of these drones in military operations.

The Iowa-class battleships, commissioned in 1943, served in five conflicts and were reactivated multiple times until 1991. They were known for their speed and firepower, launching cruise missiles and providing naval gunfire support. The ships are now preserved as museums in various locations, including Los Angeles and Pearl Harbor.

Lockheed Martin successfully completed a critical burst test on the second-stage motor case of the Next Generation Interceptor. This test is a significant milestone in the development of this new weapon system.

A drone carrying a suspected explosive device was discovered at Leipzig Airport near a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 shortly before midnight. The Federal Police responded by dispatching bomb disposal experts, and flight operations were suspended. This incident raises significant security concerns for NATO's strategic air transport capabilities at this key military hub.

The U.S. Army has consumed almost all of its precision long-range missiles during a five-month conflict with Iran, raising concerns about its future conflict capabilities. This includes the Army Tactical Missile System and Precision Strike Missiles, which are crucial for engaging targets from a safe distance. The depletion of these stocks reflects a strategic choice to minimize risks in military operations.