Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
US Army to demo first crew-free Black Hawk
The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter equipped with autonomy systems for pilot-optional flight on March 20, 2023. The aircraft will undergo rigorous testing to evaluate its autonomous capabilities and is part of a larger initiative to enhance military aviation technology. This helicopter can operate independently or with remote supervision, marking a significant advancement in military operations.
Leonardo DRS joins ATSP5 emerging systems program
Leonardo DRS was awarded a place on the Advanced Technology Support Program V (ATSP5) contract by the U.S. Department of War, valued at over $25 billion. This contract allows the company to compete for task orders related to advanced military technology development, including areas such as quantum computing and integrated mission systems. The award positions Leonardo DRS among 13 selected companies to support the U.S. military's future operational capabilities.
Epirus, GDLS and Kodiak develop new counter-drone system
Epirus, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Kodiak AI unveiled the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle in Huntsville, Alabama, on March 24. This new mobile counter-UAS system is designed for autonomous critical point defense missions, combining high-power microwave technology with autonomous mobility. The Leonidas AGV can operate without human intervention or be teleoperated, providing flexible defense against drone threats.
US Army select Skydio for largest sUAS procurement to date
The US Army has placed an order worth over $52 million for more than 2,500 X10D small uncrewed aircraft systems from Skydio. This procurement marks the largest sUAS order to date for the Army.
Russia's Spring 2026 Offensive: Strategic Redeployments Signal Shift in Eastern Ukraine Campaign
Russian forces launched a Spring 2026 offensive in eastern Ukraine on March 19, employing battalion-sized mechanized assaults in the Lyman direction. Despite initial attacks being repelled by Ukrainian forces, Russia is redeploying elite units to bolster its operations. Concurrently, Ukrainian counteroffensives have disrupted Russian plans, leading to significant territorial gains. The air campaign has intensified, with numerous drone strikes targeting Ukrainian infrastructure.
Dmitri VolkovTue Mar 24 2026Loading...General Dynamics-led team unveils self-driving truck with microwave counter-drone tech
General Dynamics, Epirus, and Kodiak AI unveiled the Leonidas Autonomous Ground Vehicle in Huntsville, Alabama. This prototype is designed for counter unmanned aerial system missions, integrating autonomous driving technology with a high-power microwave system. The companies aim to test the vehicle with the Army's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to enhance military and homeland security capabilities. The vehicle is expected to operate in diverse terrains while minimizing collateral damage during drone engagements.
The US Navy’s Most Embarrassing Secret: A $2 Billion Submarine Is Stuck in Dry Dock and Can’t Go to Sea
The USS Connecticut (SSN-22) is undergoing extensive repairs at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, after a collision with an uncharted seamount in 2021. The repairs are expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027, highlighting significant challenges in the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding and repair infrastructure. The command element of the submarine was relieved following an investigation into the incident, which was deemed preventable.
The F-47 NGAD Fighter Has 1 Problem Nobody Is Talking About: There’s No Pilot Who Has Ever Flown It
Boeing is manufacturing the F-47 NGAD fighter in St. Louis, with its maiden flight scheduled for 2028. This sixth-generation aircraft will transform pilot roles into mission commanders managing autonomous drone swarms. The F-47 will feature advanced technologies, including an AI-enhanced cockpit and a tailless design for improved stealth.
U.S. Air Force keeps KC-46A in testing as key defects remain unresolved
The U.S. Air Force continues testing the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, which has unresolved technical defects related to its Remote Vision System and Boom Telescope Actuator. Despite being deployed, the aircraft has not completed its initial operational test and evaluation since 2019, affecting its operational availability and mission capable rates. The Air Force is collaborating with Boeing on necessary upgrades to meet performance standards.
U.S. Navy slows MQ-25 Stingray drone program
The U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray program faced significant delays, missing its Milestone C decision originally scheduled for fiscal year 2023 due to production and testing issues. The first MQ-25 Engineering Development Model was received in May 2025, with the first flight test expected in early fiscal year 2026. The Pentagon's Director, Operational Test and Evaluation reported that inadequate data from prototype testing hindered progress towards production readiness.
U.S. Marine Corps destroys drone target with MADIS system
The U.S. Marine Corps conducted a live-fire engagement using the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, California, in March 2026. This exercise involved units from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment and focused on enhancing short-range air defense capabilities against drone threats. The MADIS system, mounted on a Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, employs the XM914 30mm chain gun for rapid-fire engagement of low-altitude targets.
Lockheed begins final assembly of Germany’s first F-35A fighter
Lockheed Martin has commenced the final assembly of the first F-35A Lightning II fighter jet for the German Air Force at its Fort Worth, Texas facility. This aircraft is part of a batch of eight being produced, with major assembly having started in December 2024. The F-35A is designed for multi-role missions and will support NATO operational requirements, with delivery planned to Ebbing Air National Guard Base for pilot training.
AZAK deploys second-generation UGV at AUSA Global Force
AZAK will present its second-generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) at the AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition in Huntsville, Alabama, from March 24 to 26, 2026. The company confirmed its participation following its victory in the xTech Edge Strike Ground competition, aimed at identifying emerging technologies for tactical operations. The UGV is designed for mobility in challenging terrains and features a modular architecture for various mission sets.
Flying Blind: Why New F-35 Lightning II Stealth Fighters Are Arriving Without Radars
The U.S. military is set to receive over 100 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters starting in autumn 2024, but these aircraft will be delivered without their primary radar systems due to delays with the AN/APG-85 radar. This situation renders the jets airworthy but not combat-ready, as they will instead carry ballast to maintain flight balance. The U.S. Marine Corps will be the first to receive these radar-less aircraft, impacting their operational capabilities for the foreseeable future.
A B-52 Was Just Photographed Carrying America’s New $14 Million Nuclear Cruise Missile — and an F-22 Was Flying Alongside It
A U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress was photographed on March 21, 2026, over California carrying two AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off (LRSO) test missiles. The aircraft, operating under the TORCH92 callsign, was escorted by an NKC-135R Stratotanker and an F-22 Raptor, indicating a coordinated test flight. This event marks the second confirmed sighting of the AGM-181, which is being developed to replace the AGM-86B missile by 2030.
The US has counter-mine ships homeported in the Middle East. Are they effective?
The U.S. Navy's counter-mine ships, including three Independence-class littoral combat ships, are facing significant reliability issues in mine warfare as of 2025. Despite being declared operationally capable, the MCM mission package has not proven effective in combat scenarios, raising concerns among military experts. Iran continues to pose a mine warfare threat in the Strait of Hormuz, complicating U.S. naval operations in the region.
As Fury production starts, Anduril pledging a different production approach at Arsenal-1
Anduril Industries has commenced production of the Fury autonomous combat drone at its Arsenal-1 facility in Columbus, Ohio, with plans to expand to other military systems by the end of the year. The factory, which will employ 4,000 workers, aims to produce 150 aircraft annually at full capacity. Anduril's approach emphasizes low-cost, highly producible weapons for the US military, contrasting with traditional defense contractors.
US and UK teaming up to destroy underwater drones
The U.S. and U.K. are collaborating on the Robotic Exclusion and Engagement Framework (REEF) to develop systems that detect and neutralize underwater drones threatening ports and critical infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance security in U.S. waterways using advanced technologies, including AI-driven sensors and various defensive methods. The project is supported by a new export control rule facilitating cooperation between the two nations.
US Army receives first H-60Mx Black Hawk using ALIAS autonomy system
The US Army has taken delivery of the first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter, which is equipped with the ALIAS autonomy system allowing it to operate with or without a pilot. This delivery marks a significant advancement in military aviation capabilities in the United States.
Army receives first autonomous-ready, optionally piloted Black Hawk
The U.S. Army received its first H-60Mx Black Hawk helicopter, which is capable of flying with or without a pilot. This helicopter will undergo rigorous testing by the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command to enhance mission effectiveness and survivability. The H-60Mx serves as a primary testbed for the Army's Strategic Autonomy Flight Enabler program, aiming to develop scalable autonomy across the Black Hawk fleet.
