Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army selected Swarmbotics AI on February 5, 2023, to develop swarming, attritable small unmanned ground vehicles as part of its Transformation in Contact initiative with the 1st Cavalry Division. This program aims to enhance the Army's capability to deploy large numbers of low-cost robotic platforms to support operations in contested environments, creating tactical dilemmas for adversaries while reducing reliance on expensive crewed systems.

The MQ-25 Stingray successfully completed low-speed taxi trials at MidAmerica Airport on January 30, 2023. This unmanned aerial refueling drone can carry 15,000 pounds of fuel, extending the range of carrier-based jets like the F-35C by up to 500 miles. The U.S. Navy and Boeing are conducting further tests to ensure the drone's durability and airworthiness, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of naval forces against potential threats from China.

RTX signed five long-term framework agreements with the U.S. Department of War on February 4, 2026, to expand missile production capacity. The agreements aim to increase annual production of Tomahawk cruise missiles to over 1,000 units, AMRAAM to at least 1,900 missiles, and SM-6 to more than 500 missiles. Production will take place at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Arizona; Huntsville, Alabama; and Andover, Massachusetts.

Moog Inc. and Echodyne Corp. announced a collaboration on February 05, 2026, in East Aurora, NY, to develop integrated hardware and software solutions for defense applications. This partnership aims to enhance air and missile defense capabilities and combat vehicle platforms by combining Moog's weapon systems with Echodyne's radar technologies. The agreement signifies a commitment to delivering innovative solutions for global defense markets.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-1B Lancer fleet at Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, by adding external pylons to enhance its capability to carry hypersonic weapons. This modification aims to extend the aircraft's service life and maintain operational capacity until the B-21 Raider enters service. Maintenance activities are ongoing, including checks and repairs on the aircraft's systems.

Raytheon announced a significant increase in missile production, including over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 1,900 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, following agreements with the Pentagon. Manufacturing will take place in Huntsville, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; and Andover, Massachusetts. This decision comes after pressure from President Trump for faster military equipment production and a commitment to enhance U.S. military capabilities.

Raytheon announced a significant increase in missile production, including over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 1,900 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, following agreements with the Pentagon. Manufacturing will take place at facilities in Huntsville, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; and Andover, Massachusetts. This decision comes after pressure from President Trump for faster military equipment production.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, featuring advanced systems and a pre-prototype expected in 2026. Concurrently, South Korea is advancing the K3 tank project, which aims to incorporate innovative technologies and replace the K2 Black Panther. Both tanks are in conceptual stages, with the M1E3 having a physical pre-prototype, while the K3 remains in design.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a live warhead test of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) at Eglin Air Force Base on January 21. This new standoff cruise missile, developed in under 18 months, aims to enhance precision strike capabilities against high-value targets. The test successfully met all objectives, and the U.S. has authorized the sale of ERAMs to Ukraine to strengthen its military arsenal.

The U.S. Army debuted the M1E3 Abrams prototype in Detroit on January 17, 2026, showcasing its advanced features such as a hybrid diesel-electric engine and Trophy Active Protection System. This new tank is designed to be lighter, faster, and more maneuverable, addressing challenges faced in modern warfare. Additionally, Australia is donating 49 outdated M1A1 tanks to Ukraine as part of a broader arms package.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the B-52 Stratofortress, enhancing its capabilities with hypersonic weapons and advanced radar systems. This ongoing effort aims to transform the B-52 into a digital arsenal plane, capable of real-time data sharing and drone operations. Recent upgrades include the APQ-188 AESA radar and Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT), allowing for improved mission effectiveness and operational flexibility.

The U.S. Navy announced that the Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopters will be equipped with long-range precision-guided missiles by 2027. An $86.2 million contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies for the production of the Red Wolf missile systems, which will enhance the helicopters' strike capabilities against maritime targets from long distances. The missiles are expected to be delivered by the end of fiscal 2027.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading 44 B-1B Lancer bombers to increase their missile capacity from 24 to 36 missiles by integrating new Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons. This upgrade aims to enhance the bombers' capabilities and maintain strategic deterrence until the B-21 Raider is fully operational, ensuring the B-1B remains relevant through the 2030s.

The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated the Drone Dominance Programme for the first time, selecting 25 vendors to participate. This program aims to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in drone technology.

The U.S. Air Force is engaged in a debate over the production and cost of the F-47 stealth fighter, which is priced at approximately $300 million per unit. With plans for a production run of 186-200 aircraft, concerns have been raised about the sustainability and readiness of such a small fleet. The F-47 is intended to serve as a command node for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, enhancing combat capabilities. Discussions about potential exports to allies are also underway.

The K2 Black Panther is currently operational with the South Korean Army and Poland, showcasing advanced features and capabilities. The U.S. Army's M1E3 Abrams is in early development, aiming to enhance protection and modularity. Both tanks are equipped with 120 mm cannons, but the K2 is noted for its agility and existing deployment, while the M1E3 is still refining its design for future capabilities.

RTX has signed agreements with the Pentagon to significantly increase the production of various munitions, including over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and at least 1,900 AMRAAM missiles annually. The agreements, announced in Washington, D.C., will span up to seven years and involve substantial investments in production facilities. This move reflects a positive shift in the relationship between RTX and the Pentagon, following previous criticisms from the Trump administration.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress to the B-52J to modernize its fleet and ensure long-range strike capabilities. This upgrade includes new engines, radar, and enhanced weapons capacity, allowing the B-52J to carry advanced hypersonic and standoff missiles. The B-21 Raider will complement the B-52J by handling penetration missions, while the B-52J will focus on massed standoff fires. The modernization program is currently over budget and delayed by three years.

Overland AI raised $100 million to enhance the production of its ULTRA unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the U.S. military, transitioning from experimental use to operational integration. The UGVs are designed for autonomous operations in challenging environments and have already supported missions with the 82nd Airborne Division. The funding will facilitate expanded manufacturing and field support as the technology is adopted by various military units.

The F-15EX Eagle II is being deployed by the U.S. Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard for various military operations, including air policing and ground strikes. It features 23-25 weapons stations and a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, making it a versatile strike fighter. The aircraft is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and will also be permanently based at Kadena Air Base in Japan, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.