Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army awarded a $73.5 million contract to Rolls-Royce Solutions America Inc. for Merkava tank power pack kits and engineering services in Graniteville, South Carolina. The contract, part of a broader $462.9 million agreement, is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2032, and supports Israel's armored forces through Foreign Military Sales.

U.S. Army Apache helicopters engaged drones in air-to-air combat using 30mm proximity ammunition during a December exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of the XM1225 APEX rounds, which detonate near targets to enhance precision against small aerial threats. This development is part of the Army's modernization efforts to improve combat capabilities against unmanned systems.

U.S. Army Apache helicopters engaged drones in air-to-air combat using 30mm proximity ammunition during a live fire exercise at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, in December. The XM1225 APEX rounds, designed for precision targeting, proved effective against aerial threats. This development is part of the Army's modernization efforts to enhance combat capabilities with unmanned systems.

Fincantieri announced its 2026-2030 business plan, aiming to double defense production capacity and secure 50 billion Euro in new orders. The plan emphasizes growth in naval defense and underwater sectors, supported by EU funding. The company is also focusing on unmanned platforms and nuclear propulsion technologies to enhance its military capabilities.

The B-52H Stratofortress, Tu-95MS Bear, and B-2 Spirit are actively utilized in military operations as of 2026, with the B-52H serving as a versatile platform for standoff strikes. The Tu-95MS has been employed in Russia's strategic air campaign against Ukraine, launching Kh-101 missiles from a distance. The B-2 Spirit remains the only aircraft capable of penetrating advanced air defenses, underscoring its critical role in nuclear deterrence.

Dmitri VolkovWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

The F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, J-20 Mighty Dragon, and Su-57 Felon represent the forefront of fifth-generation fighter technology. The F-22 excels in stealth and air superiority, while the F-35 emphasizes networked capabilities. The J-20 boasts impressive range and production rates, and the Su-57, despite its agility, faces production challenges. Each aircraft's design reflects different strategic priorities and operational doctrines, shaping future air combat dynamics.

Marcus ChenWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

Gentex Corporation launched the Ops-Core Voice Projection Unit (VPU) on February 17, 2026, in Carbondale. The VPU is designed to enhance communication for tactical operators using the Ops-Core Special Operations Tactical Respirator, allowing clear voice projection while maintaining respiratory protection. It features three volume levels and integrates with standard communication devices for seamless operation.

The U.S. Air Force announced that the Sentinel ICBM program is on track to deliver its initial missile by the early 2030s, with significant progress made in construction and testing at various locations including F.E. Warren Air Force Base and Vandenberg Space Force Base. Key milestones, including achieving Milestone B by the end of 2026, are expected to be met as the program restructures and accelerates under new management.

The U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer has been modernized to enhance its capabilities as a conventional strike platform, carrying the largest payload of any U.S. aircraft. It remains vital for long-range strike planning, especially as the next-generation B-21 Raider is set to enter service. The B-1B's upgrades include advanced avionics and precision weapon systems, ensuring its relevance in modern military operations.

General Atomics' LongShot program is set to conduct its first flight test of the X-68A unmanned aircraft system by the end of 2026. This aircraft, designed to launch missiles from an F-15 fighter, has completed key milestone tests. The initial flight tests planned for December 2023 were canceled, and the focus has shifted to integrating the system with the F-15.

The U.S. Air Force is advancing the LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program, with a major restructuring effort set to complete by the end of 2026 and initial operational capability targeted for the early 2030s. The program aims to replace the aging Minuteman III system and includes the construction of new launch facilities. Key milestones include the assembly of a complete ground test missile and a full-scale qualification test of the Stage-2 solid rocket motor.

The U.S. Air Force anticipates that the LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile will achieve initial capability in the early 2030s following a program revamp. The cost of the program has escalated significantly, prompting the Pentagon to restructure it to ensure national security. The Sentinel is set to replace the outdated Minuteman III missiles, with a new Milestone B decision expected by the end of 2026.

The U.S. Air Force announced that the LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile is projected to achieve initial capability in the early 2030s following a program revamp. The cost of the program has escalated significantly, prompting the Pentagon to restructure it to ensure national security. The Sentinel is set to replace the outdated Minuteman III missiles, with a new Milestone B decision anticipated by the end of 2026.

DARPA has designated the X-68A as its new air-launched drone, moving towards flight testing expected by the end of 2026. The drone is designed to operate ahead of traditional fighter aircraft and engage enemy targets using its own air-to-air missiles. Initial testing will validate its safe employment from an F-15 aircraft, with a focus on performance and integration with existing systems.

Raytheon has been awarded a contract by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to establish a domestic production capability for thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) wafers in the United States. This initiative aims to secure a supply chain for TFLN, which is essential for defense technology and communications systems. Production will transition to G&H in early 2026, ensuring reliable access for both defense and commercial industries.

The U.S. Air Force's Sentinel nuclear missile program is set to complete its restructuring by 2026, achieving Milestone B certification, with initial capabilities expected in the early 2030s. The program, which includes the development of the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, has faced significant cost increases and will require new silos for deployment. The first flight test is scheduled for 2027, as the Air Force works to modernize its nuclear capabilities.

The report highlights the historical performance and significance of several fighter jets, including the MiG-21, Sukhoi Su-7, Chengdu J-7, Convair F-102 Delta Dagger, and Yak-38. These aircraft, primarily from the mid-20th century, are noted for their limitations and current status, with some still in service in countries like North Korea and China. The analysis reflects on their operational roles and the evolution of fighter jet technology over time.

The U.S. Navy built only three Seawolf-class submarines, commissioned in 1997, 1998, and 2005, due to budget constraints and the end of the Cold War. The submarines, designed for undersea dominance, faced production cuts from an initial plan of 29 hulls. Currently, all three submarines are homeported at Naval Base Kitsap in Washington, where they continue to serve despite the challenges in submarine production.

The F-15I Ra’am, used by the Israeli Air Force since the late 1990s, is optimized for long-range precision strikes, featuring Israeli-specific avionics and heavy payload capabilities. In contrast, the U.S. Air Force's F-15EX Eagle II focuses on air superiority and modernization for fifth-generation aircraft support. Both aircraft represent different operational philosophies and requirements within their respective air forces.

The U.S. Army conducted live-fire tests of new explosive rounds for the AH-64 Apache helicopter at Yuma Proving Grounds in December. These 30x113mm XM1225 Aviation Proximity Explosive rounds are specifically designed to target enemy drones, featuring a proximity fuse that allows for airburst detonation. The Army aims to enhance the Apache's capabilities as a drone hunting tool, with plans for urgent fielding of the new ammunition.