Analysis & Reports

Elbit Systems secured a $228 million contract to provide the Iron Fist Active Protection System for the US Army's Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles. This contract enhances the defensive capabilities of the Bradley IFVs, ensuring better protection against threats.

President Donald Trump announced the development of a new class of U.S. Navy battleships, the Trump-Class, on December 22, 2025. The first ship is projected to cost between $14.3 billion and $22 billion, with construction expected to begin in the early 2030s. The fleet may include 10 to 25 vessels equipped with advanced weapon systems, although challenges in the shipbuilding industrial base could affect costs and timelines.

The U.S. Air Force is pursuing $50 million in FY 2026 funding to upgrade the B-1B Lancer with External Heavy-Stores Pylons, enhancing its capacity to carry standoff weapons. This upgrade aims to increase the volume of fires from safer ranges and is seen as a temporary measure until the B-21 Raider becomes operational. The B-1B will be able to carry advanced munitions, including the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and AGM-158 JASSM, while also integrating hypersonic capabilities.

The Space Force is planning to procure RG-XX neighborhood watch satellites on a rolling basis through an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract. This new satellite system is designed to be more maneuverable and capable of refueling in orbit, enhancing the Space Force's ability to monitor potential threats from Russia and China. Proposals for the RG-XX program are due by February 12, 2024, with the first task orders expected to be issued shortly thereafter.

China critiques the U.S. F-47 fighter jet, claiming it is already obsolete due to design flaws, particularly its canards which may compromise stealth. The Chinese J-36 and J-50 prototypes are reportedly already flying, with initial operational capability expected by the mid-2030s. The F-47, linked to Trump's presidency, faces significant technical and budget challenges, aiming for a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles, which would surpass existing U.S. 5th-generation aircraft.

The U.S. Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program received a significant funding boost, increasing from $74 million to $972 million for FY2026. This program aims to replace the aging F/A-18 Super Hornet and enhance naval air capabilities with advanced features like hypersonic weapons. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are potential contractors, and the F/A-XX is critical for countering threats from Chinese anti-ship missiles.

Elbit Systems was awarded a USD 228 million contract on 26 January 2026 to supply its Iron Fist active protection system (APS) for upgrading US Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles. This contract follows a previous USD 383.5 million contract issued to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the same purpose. The Iron Fist APS enhances the survivability of armored platforms against modern battlefield threats and has been selected by various NATO armies.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, which is expected to achieve speeds of Mach 2 and a range exceeding 1,000 miles. This aircraft will utilize advanced adaptive-cycle engines from General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, enhancing its operational capabilities. The F-47 aims to replace the F-22 and will feature sophisticated sensor systems and next-generation weaponry, marking a significant advancement in air superiority technology.

The U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider program achieved a significant milestone in September 2025 with the addition of a second test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. This expansion allows for parallel testing of the bomber's flight envelopes and mission systems, accelerating its path to operational service. The B-21 is designed to replace the aging B-1B and B-2 fleets, featuring advanced stealth capabilities to penetrate modern air defenses.

The U.S. military recently tested swarm drone attack capabilities on domestic soil, where one operator controlled multiple combat drones to strike different targets. This operation highlighted the significant role of artificial intelligence in enabling such coordinated attacks. The successful test suggests potential advantages in asymmetric warfare, although challenges in command control and interference resistance remain.

Elbit Systems confirmed on January 26 that it received a $228 million contract to supply Iron Fist Active Protection Systems for the U.S. Army's Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle upgrades. This contract expands ongoing deliveries as part of the Army's effort to enhance the survivability of its armored vehicle fleet. The Iron Fist system will be integrated into upgraded Bradley IFVs, providing full-sphere protection against a range of battlefield threats.

The U.S. and British forces developed heavy tanks with large guns in response to Soviet threats during the Cold War. The Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun became the NATO standard, influencing global tank armament. Current developments include the MGCS program, which is exploring advanced 130 mm and 140 mm gun systems for future tanks. Soviet advancements in tank armament also shifted the landscape, introducing smoothbore technology.

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker program in May 2025 due to excessive weight, which rendered it incompatible with its rapid-deployment role. Originally designed as an airdroppable assault gun for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, the vehicle's weight increased to 38-42 tons, leading to unresolved maintenance issues and cost growth. Approximately 80 vehicles were in testing, with 26 delivered before the program's termination.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) completed builder’s sea trials in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 2023, marking a significant modernization to integrate hypersonic missiles. This upgrade allows the Zumwalt-class destroyers to strike targets anywhere in the world within 60 minutes. The modernization includes replacing the Advanced Gun Systems with missile tubes, enhancing the ship's combat capabilities alongside the other Zumwalt-class vessels, USS Michael Monsoor and USS Lyndon B. Johnson.

The U.S. Navy is planning the construction of Trump-class battleships, projected to cost between $18 and $22 billion each, making them the most expensive naval platforms ever. These battleships are designed to counter China's growing naval fleet and will incorporate advanced technologies such as lasers and hypersonics. The Navy aims to build 10 or more of these ships to reduce costs through economies of scale.

The U.S. Navy is constructing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are 60% complete and scheduled for delivery in 2030. This $348 billion program aims to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet with 12 new submarines featuring advanced technologies such as an electric drive propulsion system and a life-of-core nuclear reactor. These innovations enhance stealth and operational capabilities, ensuring strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

The U.S. Navy's SSN(X) submarine program has faced significant delays, with procurement now expected in the early 2040s instead of the mid-2030s. The FY 2026 budget includes $222.8 million for research and development, but Congress has not yet committed to the program. Meanwhile, China's submarine production outpaces that of the U.S., raising concerns about undersea superiority.

The M103 heavy tank, developed by the U.S. Army in response to Soviet armor, weighed 65 tons and featured a 120mm M58 rifled gun. It was intended for use in Europe against Soviet heavy tanks but was retired in 1974 due to technological advancements that made heavy tanks obsolete. The U.S. Army withdrew the M103 from service by 1963, while the Marine Corps continued to use it until the early 1970s.

The M60A3 tank modernization program enhanced the U.S. Army's armored capabilities during the Cold War, featuring improved fire control and accuracy. It served primarily in Europe against Warsaw Pact forces and was later adopted by various allied nations. Despite being phased out in favor of the M1 Abrams, upgraded M60A3s remained operational and effective in several regional conflicts into the 21st century.

The F-22 Raptor remains the most capable air-to-air fighter in 2026, with fewer than 200 aircraft operational in the U.S. Air Force. Its design prioritizes air dominance, allowing it to outperform rivals like the F-35, J-20, and Su-57. Continuous upgrades and the superior training of American pilots contribute to its unmatched status in air superiority.