Analysis & Reports

The Islamic Jihad Organization has increased drone strikes in West Africa, conducting at least 69 attacks in Burkina Faso and Mali since 2023. Two ISIS-affiliated groups have also executed around 20 drone strikes, primarily in Nigeria. Drones are utilized for both offensive operations and reconnaissance, with extremists acquiring them through smuggling networks despite government restrictions. The use of FPV drones represents a significant enhancement in their operational capabilities.

The U.S. Army transitioned from the M1A2 SEPv4 to the M1E3 Abrams due to the former's excessive weight and modernization challenges. Training exercises with M1A2 SEPV3 tanks were conducted in Poland to ensure readiness. The M1E3, set for a pre-prototype unveiling in January 2026, emphasizes integrated protection and agility for future combat scenarios.

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a contract to Davie Defense for five Arctic Security Cutters, with three to be built in Texas and two in Finland. This contract is part of a broader agreement with Finland to enhance U.S. icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic, with the first deliveries expected in 2028. Davie Defense plans to establish a shipbuilding facility in Texas to support this initiative.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced a contract for the production of five Arctic Security Cutters, expanding its icebreaker fleet to a total of 11. The cutters will be manufactured by Davie Defense, Inc. in Finland and the U.S., following previous contracts for six additional cutters. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. capabilities in the Arctic amid increasing geopolitical tensions.

Thermobaric weapons have been utilized by the U.S., Russia, and Israel in various conflicts, including recent reports of their use in Gaza. These weapons, known for their devastating effects, have evolved from World War II designs to modern munitions like the GBU-43/B MOAB. The U.S. military has employed them in significant battles, while allegations of their use against civilian populations raise concerns about potential war crimes.

Inguar Defence developed a new pickup variant of the Inguar-3 armored vehicle specifically for UAV crews, complying with operational requirements from Lasar's Group. This vehicle, part of the MRAP class, is designed to enhance support for drone operations and has received positive feedback from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It features a reinforced cab and is capable of withstanding various threats, reflecting the increasing role of unmanned systems in military operations.

Avon Protection launched the EXOSKIN-S2 high-performance CBRN protective suit in Cadillac on 11th February 2026. This suit is designed for military and first responder use, providing enhanced protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. It features an activated carbon fabric inner layer and is compatible with other Avon protective equipment, allowing for extended use in hazardous environments.

The U.S. Army is transitioning from the M2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle to the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle due to the Bradley's aging performance. The XM30, expected to be fielded by 2029, features advanced capabilities such as a 50-mm cannon and hybrid propulsion. This transition is deemed critical for future near-peer conflicts, particularly in the context of ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Russia's S-500 missile system, designed to target stealth aircraft like the F-22 and F-35, has underperformed in combat, failing to intercept missiles in Crimea and sustaining damage from a Ukrainian drone. The system's capabilities are being marketed to foreign buyers, but its battlefield performance raises doubts about its effectiveness.

Russia is reorganizing its military to focus on drone warfare and has significantly increased its ammunition production, while Estonia is enhancing its defense capabilities with new drone technology. The Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service reports that Russia is not expected to attack NATO member states in the next two years, but is preparing for future conflicts. The Baltic state is investing in unmanned systems to counter potential threats from Russia's growing military capabilities.

SkyFall announced at the World Defence Show 2026 that it is localizing its Vampire and Shrike drones, including a version of the Vampire without Chinese components. The company stated that key elements of the Vampire drone are now produced in Ukraine, and it is developing its own camera systems. The push for domestic production is driven by supply risks from foreign sourcing, particularly from China, as Ukrainian manufacturers expand production lines to meet frontline demand.

The US Army and US Marine Corps have procured 22,000 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) by mid-2025, while France plans to acquire 2,000 Serval vehicles by 2035. Germany's Dingo vehicles, in service since 2000, total 1,200 units. The Turkish Vuran has been exported to seven countries since 2019. In May 2025, the US Army announced a halt to JLTV procurement, shifting focus to lighter vehicles.

The Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine 4.5-generation fighter jet, is currently in service with nine nations, including India and the UAE. It has demonstrated its combat capabilities in simulations, successfully engaging an F-35. The aircraft is equipped with advanced weaponry and has undergone upgrades to enhance its operational effectiveness against modern air defenses.

Patria signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to supply Protector RS4 remote weapon stations for over 300 Patria 6x6 vehicles.

The Eurofighter Typhoon has received significant upgrades, enhancing its capabilities with advanced weapons systems like the Meteor and Storm Shadow missiles. It is now equipped with AESA radar technology, allowing it to track multiple targets and detect stealth threats. The aircraft, originally operated by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain, has expanded its use to countries like Austria, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait, and is expected to remain operational into the 2040s.

Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) plans to build prototypes of the CV90 to extend the fleet's operational life until at least 2045. This initiative follows 30 years of service for the existing fleet.

Hanwha Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with Frankenburg Technologies on February 9, 2026, to develop counter-unmanned aircraft systems for land platforms. The agreement, formalized during the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, aims to enhance the capabilities of next-generation land weapon systems against drone threats. Hanwha will integrate the systems into its vehicles, while Frankenburg will focus on developing guided missiles and fire-control software.

Hypersonica conducted a hypersonic test flight in Norway on February 3, 2024, achieving speeds over Mach 6. The German startup aims to develop Europe's first sovereign hypersonic strike capability by 2029, utilizing a rapid iterative approach to reduce costs and development time. The test flight validated system performance and provided critical data for future high-speed strike systems.

On February 8, 2026, a Ukrainian STING interceptor shot down a modified Shahed-2 drone equipped with an R-60 missile. This incident marks the third confirmed use of R-60 missiles on drones, indicating a tactical shift by Russian forces. The missiles, originally designed for air-to-air combat, are now being adapted for drone warfare, reflecting the challenges faced by Russian forces in achieving operational effectiveness against Ukrainian air defenses.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 09 2026Loading...

London Defence R&D unveiled the Raptor Pilot AI Pro system at the World Defense Show, designed for unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic systems. This AI-powered autopilot integrates flight control, guidance, and AI processing into a compact module, enhancing military capabilities. The system supports high-rate stabilization and is compatible with various unmanned platforms, including drones and ground robots.