Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy canceled the Montana-class battleship program in 1942, prioritizing aircraft carriers due to changing naval warfare dynamics. The Montana-class was designed to be the most heavily armed and protected battleship, but its construction was halted as resources were redirected to other naval needs. This decision reflected a significant shift in military strategy during World War II.

EDGE Group tested the JERNAS-M drone in Abu Dhabi in November 2025. The drone, built on the civilian Velocity airframe, is designed for long-endurance surveillance missions, capable of flying for up to 20 hours. This development positions EDGE as a competitive player in the defense market, aiming to expand its partnerships beyond the Gulf region.

The U.S. Army plans to award a sole-source contract to Boeing for the production of 12 new AH-64E Apache helicopters at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, on August 4, 2026. This contract will involve remanufacturing existing aircraft and addressing obsolescence in critical components. The AH-64E Apache is the Army's primary attack helicopter, featuring advanced weaponry and systems integration.

The U.S. Marine Corps conducted integrated training with Perennial Autonomy drones at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California, in May 2026. During the training, the AS-3 Merops interceptor successfully shot down a Hornet strike drone, demonstrating its capabilities. This training marks the first direct collaboration between the 2nd Marine Division and Perennial Autonomy, as the Corps prepares to integrate these drone systems into their operations.

Russian forces conducted a large-scale airstrike on August 5, 2023, targeting drone-related facilities in Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, resulting in 17 deaths and 44 injuries. The attack involved 24 ballistic missiles, 4 Zircon hypersonic missiles, and 115 drones, primarily aimed at logistics centers and civilian infrastructure. Explosions were reported in the Brovary area, and additional strikes targeted cargo ships supplying the Ukrainian military.

The U.S. Army successfully tested a Black Hawk helicopter's capability to launch and control multiple armed drones during Project Convergence Capstone 6 in July 2023 at Fort Irwin, California. This demonstration validated the air-launched effects capability, which includes reconnaissance and strike drones. The Army plans to enhance this capability further and aims for large-scale fielding by fiscal year 2027.

The U.S. Army awarded a $13.9 million contract to Xtremis Inc. on July 15, 2026, to develop artificial intelligence systems for detecting drones. The contract, which could reach $46.8 million, will focus on enhancing detection capabilities at military bases, with research conducted in West Fork, Arkansas. This initiative is part of a broader effort to improve counter-drone technology amid rising drone incursions at military installations.

Raytheon's DeepFires autonomous missile launcher successfully tested its capabilities during Project Convergence Capstone 6 at Fort Irwin, California, from July 20 to July 29, 2026. The system can autonomously fire cruise missiles and switch to intercepting incoming threats, demonstrating significant flexibility in military operations. This capability allows for rapid reconfiguration between offensive and defensive roles, integrating various weapon systems like Tomahawk and Patriot missiles.

MBF Group S.A. and Shark Aviation are set to present the IRYDA+ X1 unmanned aircraft system on September 8, 2026, at the International Defence Industry Exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The presentation will include discussions on the program's development and future testing. A technical demonstration has already showcased the capabilities of the system, which aims to establish a Polish unmanned-systems center to enhance local industrial capabilities.

Jetoptera withdrew its Project Pegasus aircraft from DARPA's Lift Challenge in Dayton, Ohio, citing safety concerns over new flight rules. The company developed a new airframe during the competition and plans to continue testing its technology independently in Pendleton, Oregon. The Lift Challenge aimed to advance heavy-lift drone capabilities, offering a $6.5 million prize for successful designs.

The Canadian Department of National Defence selected Rohde & Schwarz Canada to provide modern 10kW HF transmitter systems, with all products delivered on time by March 2026. This procurement underscores the commitment to enhancing secure communication capabilities within the armed forces. The systems include advanced technology designed for demanding operational environments and support various communication protocols.

Rohde & Schwarz Canada delivered modern 10kW HF transmitter systems to the Canadian Department of National Defence on schedule in March 2026. This delivery followed an earlier project for 1kW HF systems in 2025. The systems are designed for secure communications and include advanced technology to ensure reliability in operational environments.

Colombia's Fuerza Aeroespacial Colombiana (FAC) signed a contract on August 4, 2026, to acquire two KC-390 Millennium aircraft in Bogotá. This acquisition aims to modernize Colombia's airlift and aerial refueling capabilities, enabling a range of missions including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The KC-390 will enhance operational readiness and interoperability with the recently acquired Gripen fighters.

North Korea is deploying 120 ballistic missiles and 6 launchers to Voronezh, Russia, integrating them into the Russian 112th Missile Brigade. Approximately 90 North Korean personnel will support this deployment. The KN-23 missiles, which are nuclear-capable, have shown improved accuracy and are part of a broader military collaboration between North Korea and Russia amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

ASELSAN reported a revenue of TL 88.5 billion in the first half of 2026, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. The company signed new contracts worth USD 4.9 billion, a 72% rise, and increased its R&D spending by 41% to USD 804 million. ASELSAN's backlog grew by 45% to USD 23.2 billion, reflecting strong demand for its high-technology defense products.

The U.S. military has consumed nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptors and about half of its Patriot interceptors due to ongoing conflicts, raising alarms about ammunition shortages. Senior military officials have warned that the Pentagon's ammunition reserves are at dangerously low levels. Discussions among President Trump's advisors have highlighted concerns regarding the implications of reduced ammunition on potential military actions against Iran. Defense Secretary Mark Esper received orders for military action but was instructed to pause after consultations with Middle Eastern allies.

Kyiv experienced consecutive explosions as ballistic missiles struck the city on the 5th. The mayor reported that the air defense system was activated to intercept incoming missiles. A non-residential area in the Obolon district was attacked, and storage facilities in Svyatoshyn district caught fire. Emergency services responded to the incidents promptly.

USS Virginia was commissioned in 1976 and served in the U.S. Navy until 1994, participating in military operations including the Gulf War and providing gunfire support off the coast of Lebanon. The cruiser was equipped with over 80 missiles and two nuclear reactors, allowing for sustained high-speed operations. Its design focused on long-range strike capabilities, but it was ultimately decommissioned due to aging systems and the introduction of more advanced vessels.

Russian forces continued airstrikes on Ukrainian ports and ships on August 4, targeting military supply infrastructure. Ukrainian forces reported repelling multiple attacks and engaged in 226 combat incidents, successfully downing 1792 Russian drones. The situation remains active with ongoing military operations in the region.

The M60A3 Patton main battle tank was a key asset for the U.S. Army during the Cold War, designed to counter Soviet armored forces in Western Europe. With over 5,000 units produced, it featured advanced fire control systems and improved armor, making it effective in potential tank battles. The tank's capabilities were essential for maintaining U.S. military readiness against Soviet advances.