Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army awarded Raytheon a $1.03 billion contract modification for the production of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This contract supports Year Two production requirements and is set to continue through March 31, 2030. LTAMDS is intended to replace the legacy Patriot radar, providing enhanced 360-degree air and missile defense capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is developing Trump-class battleships equipped with 32-megajoule railguns, aiming for production within two to three years. However, significant technical challenges, including power supply and barrel durability, have led to a pause in the railgun program. The Navy is considering alternative weapon systems and improvements to existing defenses like the Aegis Weapon System to address emerging threats from China and Russia.

The U.S. Navy's first Trump-class battleship, USS Defiant, is projected to cost between $14.3 billion and $22 billion, depending on procurement timing. The design phase is set for the early 2030s, with follow-on ships estimated to cost between $9 billion and $15 billion each. The program faces significant challenges, including labor shortages and supply chain issues, impacting the industrial base necessary for construction.

Northrop Grumman successfully tested the BAMM!29 2.0 solid rocket motor in Promontory, Utah, on January 29, 2026. This test follows the successful static test of the SMASH!22 motor in December 2025. The BAMM!29 2.0, developed under the SMART Demo program, features advanced materials and technologies, demonstrating rapid advancements in solid rocket motor capabilities.

Poland supplied 24 M120 Rak self-propelled mortar systems and 12 command post vehicles to Ukraine in April 2023, with operational deployment occurring by Q3 2023. The US Army is developing the AMPV, which includes a prototype fitted with the NEMO 120 mm turreted mortar system. The M120 Rak systems are noted for their rapid deployment capabilities and high rates of fire.

The U.S. 'Iron Dome' missile defense system program has made little progress after one year due to technical disputes and concerns over space-based components. Funding of $25 billion allocated last year remains largely unspent as discussions on the system's architecture continue. Contracts for competing missile defense prototypes were awarded to several companies, but the program's completion before 2028 is deemed unlikely.

The U.S. Navy's proposed guided-missile battleship program, BBG(X), faces scrutiny due to projected costs of $13.5 billion per ship and labor shortages in shipbuilding. The first ship, BBG-1 USS Defiant, is part of the Trump-class initiative, which may not materialize as planned due to financial constraints and potential cancellation by future administrations. The program aims to create a conventionally powered battleship equipped with advanced weaponry.

The U.S. Navy canceled the A-12 Avenger II program on January 7, 1991, due to significant cost overruns and manufacturing challenges. The only prototype built was a mockup, which is now displayed at a museum. Following the cancellation, the Navy transitioned to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as a replacement for its aging aircraft.

The U.S. Navy's A-12 Avenger II program was canceled on January 7, 1991, due to cost overruns and manufacturing difficulties, resulting in only a mockup being built. The Navy had planned to acquire 620 units, but the project faced significant challenges, leading to its termination and subsequent litigation over funding returns. The cancellation occurred shortly before the Persian Gulf War, during which the effectiveness of stealth technology was publicly demonstrated by the F-117.

The S-3 Viking was retired from the U.S. Navy in 2009 due to its inability to compete with modern threats, being replaced by the more advanced P-8 Poseidon. The Viking, which operated with a crew of four and could fly over 500 mph, had limitations in survivability and upgrade potential. Its combat record included successful operations during the Iraq War, but it could not be economically redesigned to meet evolving military needs.

The U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and NASA, developed the X-44 MANTA, an experimental stealth fighter concept aimed at achieving advanced maneuverability without tailplanes. The program, initiated in 1999, was defunded in 2000 due to technical risks and competing priorities with other aircraft. The X-44 was designed to reach speeds of Mach 1.95 and featured advanced thrust vectoring technology for enhanced agility.

The U.S. Army issued a request for information for up to 11 business jets to support the High Altitude Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The aircraft must operate at high altitudes and carry significant payloads. The Army currently plans to acquire six production aircraft and three prototypes, with responses to the RFI due by February 12. This initiative reflects the Army's focus on enhancing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

The F-22 Raptor continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. air dominance, remaining operationally relevant with fewer than 200 aircraft in service. Designed for air superiority, it has not been surpassed in its capabilities despite being in service for over 20 years. Continuous upgrades and the expertise of U.S. pilots ensure its effectiveness against peer adversaries.

USS John F. Kennedy conducted sea trials off the coast of Newport News, Virginia, on Wednesday. This Ford-class aircraft carrier, which is 1,092 feet long and weighs 100,000 tons, is expected to join the fleet in March 2027 after delays. The trials are intended to test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.

USS John F. Kennedy conducted sea trials off the coast of Newport News, Virginia, on Wednesday. This Ford-class aircraft carrier, which is 1,092 feet long and weighs 100,000 tons, is expected to join the fleet in March 2027 after delays. The trials are intended to test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.

The U.S. Army plans to purchase up to 11 Bombardier Global 6500 business jets for its High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. Contractors are required to deliver up to four aircraft per year starting in October 2026. This acquisition aims to replace the retiring fleet of turboprop ISR aircraft, enhancing the Army's capabilities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

Lockheed Martin signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to increase THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 missiles annually over the next seven years. This deal requires Congressional approval for fiscal 2026 funding and is part of a broader investment strategy to enhance munitions manufacturing capabilities across multiple states. Lockheed plans to invest significantly in new facilities and modernization efforts.

USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) commenced builder's sea trials from Newport News, Virginia, testing its new systems, including the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG). The trials aim to validate the performance of core systems before the carrier's delivery, now scheduled for March 2027 due to previous delays. This carrier features significant design improvements over its predecessor, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78).

Thales UK showcased its latest sensor technologies and algorithms at IAV 2026, enhancing target acquisition and crew efficiency. The DigitalCrew algorithms and TrueHunter gimbal sight were highlighted for their capabilities in surveillance and target tracking. Additionally, the SharpView laser designator was presented as a versatile tool for UAVs and ground forces, indicating Thales's commitment to advancing military technology.

Lockheed Martin signed a framework agreement with the U.S. Department of War on January 29, 2026, to quadruple THAAD interceptor production from 96 to 400 units annually. This agreement includes the establishment of a new Munitions Acceleration Center in Camden, Arkansas, and is part of a multibillion-dollar investment to enhance U.S. defense capabilities and create tens of thousands of jobs in the manufacturing sector.