Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force tested the F-15EX Eagle II at Eglin Air Force Base on March 11, 2024. This advanced fighter jet, capable of executing 87 billion operations per second, is designed for air superiority and can carry a payload of 29,500 pounds. It features cutting-edge avionics and electronic warfare systems, enhancing its operational capabilities alongside stealth fighters.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to acquire target drones capable of mimicking a range of aircraft, including stealth fighters and bombers, with a focus on cost-effective and easily manufactured designs. The Request for Information has a deadline of September 28, emphasizing the need for drones that can simulate various capabilities and threats.

The U.S. Navy considered the Super Tomcat 21 as a potential upgrade to the F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006. However, the Navy ultimately chose the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet due to its lower costs and maintenance requirements. The Super Tomcat 21 promised enhanced range and payload capabilities but was never developed or produced.

The U.S. Navy considered the Super Tomcat 21, an upgraded version of the F-14 Tomcat, as a potential long-range fighter but ultimately chose the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet due to cost and maintenance factors. The Super Tomcat 21 promised enhanced range and payload but was never produced, and the F-14 was retired in 2006 after a long service.

Helsing is collaborating with Rakuten to finalize a deal for selling unmanned systems to Japan's army, with the Ground Self-Defense Forces currently testing the HX-2 strike drone. The field tests are scheduled to continue until the end of September. Rakuten's involvement aims to facilitate greater participation of startups in Japan's defense industry, addressing barriers to entry.

The German-Danish Defence Network Forum took place at Karup Air Base in Denmark on August 17, 2026, focusing on accelerating European defense modernization. Discussions centered around enhancing defense capabilities in the region.

The USS Benfold experienced a generator failure in the South China Sea on July 24, 2023, resulting in a complete power loss and drifting for four days. The destroyer was towed to Subic Bay for repairs, which were completed by July 30, 2023. After refueling, the ship departed Subic Bay on August 8, 2023, but did not rejoin the USS Washington carrier strike group as expected.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading its fleet of 195 F-22 Raptors to extend their operational lifespan until 2060. These upgrades include enhancements to weapons systems, avionics, and structural integrity, allowing the aircraft to remain effective against advanced threats. The F-22's lifespan has been increased from 8,000 to potentially 15,000 flight hours through various modernization efforts, including the integration of advanced missile systems and improved electronic warfare capabilities.

Ukraine is experiencing a critical shortage of air defense missiles, severely limiting its ability to intercept Russian missile attacks. In July, the interception rate dropped to 14.9%, and the situation worsened in August. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are modernizing Soviet-era S-300 systems with U.S. support to address these challenges.

The U.S. Navy awarded Raytheon a $22.9 billion contract to ramp up Tomahawk cruise missile production to 1,000 rounds annually. This increase will take place over a multiyear period, following a framework agreement with the Pentagon. Raytheon is making substantial investments in its workforce and facilities to meet the rising demand for munitions.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) demonstrated the J-20 Mighty Dragon's capability to carry up to 14 air-to-air missiles in 'beast mode' during early 2025. This mode allows the aircraft to trade some stealth for increased firepower, similar to the U.S. F-35. The J-20 can carry PL-15 and PL-10 missiles, with ongoing efforts to enhance its internal weapons capacity.

Northrop Grumman is advancing the development of fully autonomous combat aircraft through Project Talon, focusing on systems that operate without continuous human input. The Talon IQ testbed ecosystem facilitates the integration and testing of autonomy software, while Talon Blue serves as a demonstrator for collaborative combat capabilities. These initiatives aim to enhance military operational flexibility and effectiveness in contested environments.

The Bundeswehr has ordered additional mobile rescue stations from Rheinmetall as an extension of a previous order. This procurement is part of the German armed forces' efforts to enhance their operational capabilities.

Japan's Defense Minister Kōzuki Shinjiro visited Australia and India from the 17th to the 21st to discuss defense cooperation and military equipment sales. In Australia, he confirmed plans for the procurement of upgraded Mogami-class frigates, while in India, he explored defense equipment cooperation, including stealth communication systems. This initiative aims to strengthen military ties amid concerns over U.S. military supply capabilities.

Chinese military researchers are analyzing the Iran conflict to enhance the People's Liberation Army's modernization efforts. They emphasize the importance of systems-oriented warfare, AI integration, and intelligence preparation. The conflict has reinforced the need for resilience in military networks and highlighted vulnerabilities in existing systems. Insights gained from the conflict are expected to inform future military strategies and capabilities.

Iran's military chief announced a bounty of $30,000 for the capture or killing of U.S. soldiers on July 16, 2023, following the expiration of a negotiation window with the U.S. Iran has declared that it will not adjust its policies under pressure and has warned the U.S. against entering the Persian Gulf, Oman Gulf, and Strait of Hormuz. The situation remains tense, with ongoing military threats and a fragile ceasefire.

Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to redesign the USS Doris Miller, replacing the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) with steam catapults. This directive, issued on August 13, 2023, has significant implications for costs and timelines, as the carrier is already under construction. The Navy's first three Ford-class carriers will retain the EMALS, while China continues to develop its own EMALS technology.

Germany's first F-35A, designated MG-01, is undergoing final finishes at Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where it will receive a stealth coating before delivery to the Luftwaffe. The aircraft is part of a 35-unit order and is expected to be delivered by late 2027, with initial training at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. This new aircraft will replace the aging Panavia Tornado fleet in Germany.

U.S. Central Command has initiated the formation of Task Force Falcon Strike, the first multinational and multidomain attack drone unit. This task force aims to enhance military operations involving attack drones and includes participation from multiple nations.

On August 14, 2023, Col. Christopher George was removed as commander of the 150th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, and Col. Jeffry Heggemeier was reassigned. The New Mexico National Guard stated that these changes do not impact the wing's mission or operational readiness. Col. Angela Black has been appointed as the temporary commander.