Analysis & Reports

Swarm Aero opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on February 17, 2026, to produce large uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). The facility will have the capacity to manufacture thousands of UAVs and is expected to create hundreds of aerospace jobs. This center will serve as Swarm Aero's primary hub for large UAV systems and swarm command-and-control software integration, reflecting a significant advancement in military drone technology.

Japan purchased 20 Wave Glider SV6 unmanned surface vehicles from Liquid Robotics under a $25 million Foreign Military Sales program. The U.S. Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base authorized the acquisition to support operational testing activities. The first unit is scheduled for delivery within 360 days, with final delivery within 720 days. This procurement ensures compatibility with Japan's existing unmanned systems.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $33.8 million contract for ground and flight test support of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) integrated with the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) system. This contract, announced on February 18, 2026, aims to validate the sensor's performance and operational functionality, with completion expected by March 31, 2027. The LTAMDS program is intended to enhance air and missile defense capabilities by replacing the legacy Patriot radar.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $13 million contract to upgrade infrared countermeasure systems on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operated by Canada and Australia. The upgrades will convert existing Block 10 systems to the newer Block 30 configuration, enhancing the aircraft's survivability against infrared-guided threats. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, with completion expected by July 2030.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to deliver C-130J training devices and upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force, with deliveries starting in 2029. This includes two Weapon Systems Trainers and an Enhanced Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainer. The RAAF currently operates 12 C-130J-30 aircraft and has recently acquired 20 additional units to enhance its tactical airlift capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force announced that Air Force One will be painted in a new red, white, and blue color scheme as directed by President Trump. This change will apply to three Boeing 747-800 aircraft, which are set to replace the aging 747-200 fleet. The decision to modify the aircraft's appearance follows a previous reversal by President Biden regarding the color scheme.

The U.S. Air Force announced that Air Force One will be painted in a new red, white, and blue color scheme as directed by President Trump. This change will apply to three Boeing 747-800 aircraft, which are set to replace the aging 747-200 fleet. The decision to alter the aircraft's appearance follows a previous reversal by President Biden in March 2023 regarding the color scheme.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor to maintain its operational relevance against evolving threats, particularly from China's J-20 stealth fighter. This modernization includes upgrades to stealth coatings, avionics, and sensors, ensuring the F-22 remains capable in future conflicts. Despite its age, the F-22 is essential for U.S. air superiority missions, while the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is underway to develop a sixth-generation replacement.

The U.S. Air Force's Sentinel ICBM program is experiencing significant software delays and risks associated with the aging Minuteman III system. A January 2024 Nunn-McCurdy breach has prompted a restructuring effort to address these issues. The program, led by Northrop Grumman, is projected to cost at least $141 billion, with the first flight now scheduled for March 2028. The GAO report highlights the need for improved project management and risk mitigation strategies to ensure nuclear readiness during the transition.

The U.S. Air Force's Sentinel ICBM program faces significant risks due to software delays and an extended reliance on the aging Minuteman III system. A Nunn-McCurdy breach in January 2024 has prompted a restructuring effort, with the program's cost now estimated at over $141 billion and the first flight delayed to March 2028. The Air Force is actively working to address these challenges and mitigate risks to prevent capability gaps during the transition.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking to procure commercially developed satellites for reconnaissance in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). The GHOST-R program aims to enhance satellite tracking capabilities and reduce costs compared to existing programs. Vendors must deliver a high-resolution image of a GEO satellite within 24 months, with proposals due by March 3.

The U.S. Air Force introduced the F-15EX Eagle II on April 7, 2023, at Eglin Air Force Base. This new fighter aircraft boasts a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs and features 23 weapons stations for various munitions. It is designed for homeland defense and standoff strikes, enhancing the capabilities of the Air Force alongside stealth fighters.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are deploying to the Arabian Sea to enhance U.S. naval pressure on Iran. This dual-carrier strike group configuration is intended for coordinated operations targeting Iranian command-and-control infrastructure. The carriers will leverage advanced weaponry, including F-35C stealth fighters and Block IV Tomahawk missiles, to conduct precise strikes without a prolonged land campaign.

Saronic established a West Coast Supply Hub for unmanned surface vehicles in San Diego, opening in October 2023. The facility will house at least 15 Corsair robot boats and aims to increase its workforce to over 100 employees by year-end. It will provide training for Navy personnel on operating and maintaining these vessels, enhancing logistics and repair capabilities.

USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) successfully completed its sea trials and is preparing for operational deployment. The U.S. Navy is set to operate two Ford-class aircraft carriers, enhancing its capabilities in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The Ford-class features advanced automation and reduced crew requirements, supporting a faster operational tempo. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is currently active in the Mediterranean Sea.

The U.S. Navy's A-12 Avenger II program, intended to produce a stealth bomber, was canceled in 1991 due to significant technical failures and budget overruns. The aircraft was reported to be overweight and behind schedule, leading Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney to terminate the project as military priorities shifted after the Cold War. The program's cancellation left a legacy of caution regarding ambitious defense projects.

Divergent Technologies and Mach Industries launched the Venom autonomous strike aircraft prototype in Los Angeles on February 17, 2026. The prototype was developed in just 71 days, showcasing rapid hardware development through digital manufacturing. This project aims to demonstrate how defense hardware can transition from concept to operational prototype, integrating autonomous flight capabilities with advanced manufacturing techniques.

Leonardo DRS was awarded multiple contracts under the SHIELD missile defense program on February 17, 2026. The program, valued at $151 billion, aims to enhance air and missile defense capabilities for U.S. forces. Leonardo DRS will leverage its engineering capabilities to support the Missile Defense Agency's initiatives, focusing on rapid development and deployment of advanced defense technologies.

Canada is committing to the procurement of F-35 fighter jets by paying for long-lead components while publicly stating the purchase is under review. This decision reflects a strategic necessity for continental defense through NORAD and integration with U.S. forces. A mixed fleet of aircraft would complicate operations, and the long-lead funding indicates a clear direction towards a larger F-35 buy.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $25 million contract to Liquid Robotics Inc. to supply 20 unmanned surface vehicles to Japan, with work to be completed by February 16, 2028. The contract includes control software and mission payloads, indicating customization for Japanese operational needs. This procurement supports Japan's investment in unmanned maritime systems for enhanced surveillance capabilities.