Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force proposed the FB-22 as a stealthy strike platform to enhance its capabilities during the early 2000s. The design aimed to modify the F-22 Raptor for ground attack roles, but the project was ultimately sidelined due to changing military priorities and budget limitations. The FB-22 was envisioned to supplement existing bombers and replace some functions of the F-15E Strike Eagle.

The U.S. Army is developing the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to utilize autonomous drones and ground robots for cleaning chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower needs. Additionally, the Army is upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information for the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The U.S. Army is developing autonomous drones and ground robots as part of the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to clean up chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower and resource strain. The Army is also upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information regarding the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of its Drone Dominance Program. Evaluation for the first phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order approximately $150 million in prototype drones. The program aims to rapidly acquire hundreds of thousands of drones by 2027, emphasizing the need for inexpensive combat capabilities.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of the Drone Dominance Program. The evaluation phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order 30,000 drones at $5,000 each. The program aims to enhance U.S. military drone capabilities by 2027, with a total budget of $1.1 billion across four phases.

The U.S. Army plans to award a contract for a self-propelled howitzer program by July 2024, with prototype proposals expected later this month. This initiative is part of the Army Transformation Initiative, aiming to replace the towed M777 howitzers. Competitors include Hanwha, Rheinmetall, and General Dynamics, among others.

The Pentagon has selected 25 companies to demonstrate unmanned one-way attack drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, from mid-February to March 2025. This event is part of the Drone Dominance Program, which aims to reform military procurement and enhance capabilities. The total expected orders for these drones could reach $150 million, with a directive for Army squads to be equipped with small drones by the end of fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Air Force's decision to limit F-22 Raptor production to 186 aircraft has significantly impacted its air dominance capabilities. The upcoming F-47 fighter is expected to replace the F-22, incorporating advanced technologies. The F-22, despite its age, remains a benchmark for stealth fighters, but the U.S. faces challenges from adversaries like China, which has developed the J-20. The strategic implications of these aircraft decisions are critical for future military operations.

Raytheon completed a ballistic test of the US Army's next generation interceptor (NGSRI) missile, which is designed to replace the Stinger surface-to-air system. This test marks a significant step in the US Army's modernization of its air defense capabilities.

Lockheed Martin delivered the first Sentinel A4 radar to the U.S. Army, marking a significant milestone in the Army's air defense modernization efforts. This delivery is part of a total of 19 systems planned under Low-Rate Initial Production 2. The radar successfully completed Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Phase I, integrating with existing command and control systems to enhance defense against various aerial threats.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 tank, while the British Army is advancing the Challenger 3, with both tanks undergoing modernization. The Challenger 3 is expected to achieve initial operational capacity by 2027, whereas the M1E3's timeline extends into the 2040s. Both tanks feature advanced firepower, survivability enhancements, and improved mobility, aiming to enhance NATO interoperability.

The U.S. Navy awarded an $86.2 million contract to L3Harris Technologies for the Precision Attack Strike Munition, enhancing the capabilities of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. This new weapon system is designed for extended-range strikes in contested environments and is expected to be delivered by the end of fiscal year 2027. The contract aims to support Marine Corps operations from both land and maritime locations.

Raytheon completed a ballistic test of the Next Generation Short Range Interceptor (NGSRI) on February 2, 2026, demonstrating its capability to track drone targets. The NGSRI is designed to replace the Stinger missile and can be launched from both shoulder-fired and vehicle-mounted systems. This test is part of a broader effort to develop a new air defense weapon for the U.S. Army, addressing evolving aerial threats.

The U.S. Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams tank prototype at the Detroit Auto Show in February 2024. This new tank, based on operational experience from Ukraine, aims to reduce weight and enhance protection against modern threats. The Army plans to test the first units by 2032, with 31 M1A1SA tanks already deployed to Ukraine for operational assessment.

Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems signed a teaming agreement on February 02, 2026, to enhance unmanned ground systems and collaborative combat robotics. The partnership aims to explore new business opportunities in defense technology across various regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Key focuses include the integration of advanced weapon systems and counter-UAS solutions.

The U.S. Army introduced the M1E3 Abrams tank at the Detroit Auto Show, showcasing its significant redesign focused on survivability and modern warfare capabilities. The tank integrates advanced technology and is intended to operate within a combined-arms system, reflecting lessons learned from the Russo-Ukraine War. While some question the future of tanks, the M1E3 acknowledges their continued relevance in modern combat scenarios.

The US Marine Corps selected L3Harris to develop the Precision Attack Strike Munition, a new weapon system for the AH-1Z helicopter, under an $86.2 million contract. The delivery is expected by the end of fiscal 2027, enhancing the Marine Corps' capabilities with a longer-range precision weapon. This initiative aligns with the Marines' operational focus in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. Army's M1E3 Abrams tank is under development, focusing on weight reduction and active protection integration, while Israel's Merkava Mk IV is recognized for its survivability and combat effectiveness. Both tanks feature advanced systems, with the M1E3 aiming for future versatility and the Merkava being a proven choice for urban combat. The comparison was presented at the Detroit Auto Show on January 17, 2026.

The U.S. Navy retired the F-14 Tomcat on October 4, 2006, due to escalating maintenance costs and safety concerns. Despite its impressive capabilities, including a speed of Mach 2.3 and the ability to engage targets at 100 nautical miles, the aircraft became increasingly difficult to maintain. The F-14's retirement marked the end of an era for a platform that had been in service since its maiden flight in 1974.

The U.S. Navy continues to enhance the Virginia-class submarines, with Block VI production now underway. These nuclear-powered fast-attack submarines are designed for various missions, including strike and reconnaissance, and are expected to remain in service into the 2040s. The introduction of the Virginia Payload Module significantly increases their Tomahawk missile capacity, reflecting the Navy's commitment to maintaining undersea dominance.