Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin successfully conducted the initial flight test of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 2 in the United States. This marks a significant advancement in the US Army's long-range strike capabilities. The test demonstrates the ongoing development of this new weapon system.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 NGAD integrates the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) to enhance air superiority and suppress enemy defenses. This capability is designed for Operation Epic Fury in 2026, allowing the F-47 to target advanced air defense systems effectively. The SiAW's internal carriage within the F-47's stealth bays enables close-in strikes, improving responsiveness against mobile threats.

The U.S. Navy revived its railgun program for the Trump-Class Battleship, conducting tests at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This initiative aims to integrate advanced weaponry, including railguns, into the 35,000-ton battleship design. Concurrently, Japan is advancing its own railgun technology through the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency.

The U.S. Navy is decommissioning early models of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) due to significant mechanical issues and combat ineffectiveness. The program, which cost $22 billion, has been criticized for failing to meet operational requirements, leading to a reliance on the delayed Constellation-class frigate. The Navy has also canceled the Anti-Submarine Warfare module, further highlighting the program's shortcomings.

The U.S. Navy conducted live-fire testing of an electromagnetic railgun prototype at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing supports the development of hypersonic weapons, marking a revival of the railgun program that was shelved in 2021 due to technical issues. The railgun is now being utilized as a research tool for hypersonic materials and sensors.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) completed its sea trials in San Diego on March 14, 2026, following a significant overhaul. The U.S. Navy is modifying the destroyer to replace its Advanced Gun System with a Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic battery, aiming to enhance its deterrent capabilities against near-peer adversaries.

The MiG-25 Foxbat, a Soviet interceptor, was operational from 1970 until its retirement in 2022. It achieved a notable air-to-air kill against a U.S. Navy F/A-18 during the Gulf War. The aircraft's technical limitations were exposed following Lt. Viktor Belenko's defection in 1976, leading to its analysis by Western forces. Ultimately, the MiG-25's legacy includes its role in various conflicts and its eventual obsolescence, with only a few specimens preserved in museums today.

The MiG-25 Foxbat, evaluated for its speed and combat legacy, was involved in significant air engagements, including the downing of a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet during the Gulf War. Lt. Viktor Belenko's defection in 1976 revealed its technical limitations to the West. The aircraft was retired from service by Algeria in July 2022, with the Syrian fleet destroyed by December 2024. Currently, 15 MiG-25 airframes are preserved in various museums.

A malfunction in the fuze of an M795 155mm artillery round caused it to explode prematurely during a live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton on October 18, 2025. The incident resulted in shrapnel falling onto Interstate 5, but no injuries were reported. Six M777 howitzers from the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment were involved in the demonstration, which was attended by high-ranking officials.

The U.S. Navy confirmed plans to increase production of the Hammerhead anti-submarine mine system through a contract modification with General Dynamics Mission Systems. This increase is necessary to meet operational fleet requirements beginning in fiscal year 2027. The Hammerhead system is designed to autonomously detect and engage enemy submarines, enhancing U.S. naval capabilities in undersea warfare.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a contract modification worth up to $2.01 billion on March 13, 2023, to continue the development of the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) terminal program. This program is crucial for secure military satellite communications, with work primarily taking place in Marlboro, Massachusetts, and Largo, Florida, and expected completion by August 9, 2031.

The U.S. Army awarded a $20 billion contract to Anduril Industries to integrate AI-driven battlefield technologies into a unified operational system. This contract, announced on March 13, 2023, will utilize the Lattice software platform to enhance data organization and analysis from various military sources. The agreement is set to last until March 12, 2036, and aims to improve situational awareness across operational areas.

The UK Ministry of Defence selected Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® MANET for Project CAIN modernization on March 10, 2026, enhancing communication capabilities for the 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team. This initiative includes the delivery of MPU5 tactical communication systems and associated equipment, enabling resilient connectivity in complex environments. The program builds on previous successes with the UK Royal Marines and aims to strengthen the UK's operational capabilities alongside allies.

NATO is transforming its defense strategy, focusing on integrated air and missile defense plans in response to hybrid threats, particularly from Russia. Operation Eastern Sentry was activated due to Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, showcasing NATO's shift in military priorities. By 2035, Europe aims to take a leading role in its conventional defense, supported by increased defense spending and strategic initiatives from the EU. Discussions are ongoing about establishing a permanent NATO mission in Greenland.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Mar 13 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force awarded two contracts to Boeing for the development of the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft, totaling over $5 billion. This decision follows congressional directives to continue the program after previous attempts to cancel it. The contracts will support the transition to the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase, allowing for system design maturation and testing. The E-7 is also being utilized in current operations, including deployments to assist in missile detection.

Leonardo S.p.A. has transformed its operations from 2022 to 2025, increasing its workforce and expanding its product portfolio across various domains. The company reported a 38% rise in orders and a significant increase in market capitalization, driven by strategic partnerships and a focus on cybersecurity and digitalization. The launch of the Michelangelo Dome in November 2025 marks a key development in their defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army conducted tests of a new 30 mm Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) round for AH-64 Apache helicopters at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The tests evaluated the round's effectiveness against unmanned aerial systems, with approximately 1,200 rounds fired. The APEX round is designed to detonate near targets, enhancing the Apache's counter-drone capabilities. This testing is part of the Army's broader effort to improve defenses against small drones.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency awarded Raytheon a $267 million contract modification for the production of 23 additional SM-3 Block IB interceptors, increasing the total to 78. This modification restarts the production line and supports operational readiness for missile defense missions. The work will primarily take place in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, with the program expected to continue through May 2030.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.34 billion contract modification to develop the E-7A Wedgetail radar aircraft, enhancing its airborne command and control capabilities. The contract includes work primarily in Seattle and additional locations in Oklahoma City, Huntsville, and Heath, with completion expected by August 2032. This program aims to modernize the Air Force's battle management platform.

The USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) operates covertly for the U.S. Navy, utilizing its Multi-Mission Platform for specialized undersea missions, including tapping undersea fiberoptic cables. Commissioned in 2005, it is equipped with advanced technologies such as remotely operated vehicles and specialized sensors, making it a key asset in modern naval warfare. The submarine's capabilities reflect a shift towards undersea infrastructure warfare.