Analysis & Reports

Airbus Defence and Space was awarded a contract on 31 July 2026 to develop the SpainSat NG-III secure communications satellite in Toulouse, France, and Getafe, Spain. This satellite will enhance operational capabilities for Spain, NATO, and allied forces, featuring advanced technologies for secure communications and resilience against electronic threats. Its operational coverage will extend across multiple continents, reinforcing strategic autonomy for European defense.

American Rheinmetall has been awarded an 18-month contract to provide autonomous uncrewed ground vehicles for the U.S. Army's Project Sustainment. These vehicles are designed to autonomously transport supplies, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing risk to soldiers. The project involves collaboration with partners such as Harbinger and Forterra, focusing on advancements in logistics and military operations.

The French Armament General Directorate has received its first NH90 Standard 2 helicopter, a variant of the NH90 TTH model, supplied by Airbus Helicopters.

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer JS Chokai successfully launched a Tomahawk cruise missile in the Pacific on July 29, 2023. This marks Japan's entry into long-range strike capabilities, with plans to acquire 400 Tomahawk missiles by March 2028. The development poses new challenges for Chinese military planning, as Japan's missile capabilities are now politically tied to its defense strategy.

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The U.S. Marine Corps is acquiring a new anti-drone round for M4 and M27 rifles, with 400,000 rounds already purchased and an additional 1 million planned for Fiscal Year 2027. Deliveries are expected to be completed by September 2026 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. This new ammunition is specifically designed to enhance the Marines' capability to counter small drones.

Thales was awarded a contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency to supply a Deployable Tactical Air Navigation (D-TACAN) system for the Spanish Air & Space Force. This system is designed for continuous operations in challenging conditions and includes a logistics support package. It enhances air navigation capabilities across NATO airspace, particularly in GNSS-denied environments.

Rheinmetall secured a contract to supply weapon systems for the British Army’s RCH 155 wheeled howitzers on 31 July 2026. The contract includes the provision of 72 howitzers and associated equipment, with production taking place at Rheinmetall’s facility in Telford, UK. This development enhances the British Army's artillery capabilities with advanced automated systems.

The YF-12 interceptor aircraft was developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War as a Mach 3 air defense platform. Although three prototypes were built, it never entered service due to shifting military priorities and high costs associated with the Vietnam War. The YF-12 set several aviation records and its technological advancements influenced future aircraft, notably the SR-71 Blackbird. The sole surviving prototype is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

Leonardo's CEO announced that the entry into service of the Global Combat Air Programme's sixth-generation fighter jet could be accelerated to as early as 2033, ahead of the original 2035 target. This push is motivated by the urgency for a multi-domain system to operate quickly. Japan is keen on having the aircraft ready by 2035, coinciding with the retirement of its F-2 jets. The program has also expanded to include Canada as an observer, with interest from Singapore and ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia.

France's Dassault Aviation is developing the Rafale F5 fighter, which will integrate a stealth drone and advanced electronic warfare systems. The project follows the halt of the joint fighter initiative with Germany, with a projected entry into service between 2033 and 2035. Key components, including the RBE2 XG radar and M88 T-REX engine, are under development to enhance the aircraft's capabilities.

A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile crossed into Polish airspace early Thursday, landing near Tarnawa-Kolonia without causing injuries. In response, NATO and Polish forces activated air and ground defenses, scrambling two F-16s and a Mi-24 helicopter. The incident underscores the challenges NATO faces in air defense as Russia's conflict with Ukraine continues to impact neighboring countries.

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Ukrainian officials confirmed the discovery of a second impact crater from a North Korean KN-23 ballistic missile, which was fired by Russia during an assault on July 30, 2026. The first missile struck a home in Radushne, killing six, while the second landed in a field 3.5 km away. This incident raises questions about the missile's targeting accuracy and the military relationship between North Korea and Russia.

The U.S. Air Force plans to extend the operational life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet through 2030, with a phased retirement schedule that includes retiring 49 aircraft in fiscal 2027 and the final 36 by 2030. This decision follows recent combat use of the A-10, which demonstrated its ongoing battlefield value. Congress is also considering a bill to further extend the A-10's service until 2033, requiring the Air Force to maintain operational capabilities for the fleet.

The Eurofighter Typhoon is being upgraded with the ECRS Mk2 radar and other enhancements to improve its air defense and electronic warfare capabilities. Germany, Spain, Italy, and Türkiye have ordered new aircraft, ensuring continued production into the 2030s. The upgrades will allow the Typhoon to operate alongside the F-35, although it will not match the F-35's stealth capabilities. The integration of these upgrades will occur in phases rather than a single release.

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet's mission-capable rate has dropped to 40.19 percent in fiscal 2024, prompting concerns over readiness. The Air Force has 184 F-22s, including 32 older Block 20 models that Congress has blocked from retirement. Upgrading these Block 20s is projected to cost at least $3.3 billion and take about 15 years, complicating the Air Force's operational capabilities amid increasing global demands.

South Korea's KF-21 Boramae is entering mass production, with a reported offer of 16 aircraft to Indonesia for about $2 billion. The total cost per aircraft, including essential components, is estimated at $94 million. The first production jet is scheduled for operational service in September 2026, but Indonesia has yet to finalize the order.

Airbus Helicopters announced the successful first flight of the second prototype of the H160M military helicopter in 2026. This helicopter is part of France's Joint Light Helicopter Program, which aims to consolidate the military's helicopter fleet. The H160M features advanced military capabilities, including a drone cooperation system and a modular weapon system, and France plans to acquire 169 units to replace aging aircraft.

EDGE Group showcased the upgraded Mirage 2000 fighter jet equipped with Thunder precision-guided munitions and an ISR pod in the United Arab Emirates. This integration allows the aircraft to locate and strike targets effectively in a single mission. The UAE Armed Forces has invested significantly in this capability, with a recent contract for Thunder munitions valued at approximately $583 million.

The F-35 program is experiencing significant readiness issues, with the fleet's mission-capable rate dropping to 25% as of July 31, 2026. The U.S. Air Force is addressing these challenges through a proposed $13.7 billion sustainment reset. Key issues include delays in Block 4 modernization and insufficient power and cooling capacity for future upgrades. Locations involved include Columbus, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida, and Santiago, Chile.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions completed the Indiana Payload Integration Facility for hypersonic systems in Crane, Indiana, on July 28, 2026, ahead of schedule. The $50 million facility is designed to enhance the U.S. military's hypersonic testing capabilities by allowing rapid preparation of experimental payloads. It is expected to create over 100 high-tech jobs and is part of a broader strategy to build defense manufacturing infrastructure in the region.