Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting about 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities for long-range strike missions. The program remains on track for the delivery of operational B-21s to Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting approximately 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities. The event is significant for the B-21's long-range strike role, although details on aerial refueling were not disclosed.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP). This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads. Anduril will conduct an extended demonstration of the Dive-XL within four months of the contract award, enhancing capabilities in maritime operations.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project. This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads, including smaller unmanned vehicles. The project aims to enhance capabilities in the Pacific and Arctic regions, addressing the need for advanced underwater systems.

The Israeli Air Force is acquiring 25 F-15EX aircraft for long-range missions, while the Qatar Air Force recently used its F-15QA variant to shoot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers. Poland and Saudi Arabia are also considering the F-15EX for their air forces, highlighting its significant payload capacity and advanced combat technology. The aircraft's capabilities position it as a key player in regional military dynamics.

The Pentagon is requesting over $50 billion in supplemental funding to replace and procure new military equipment for operations in Iran. This includes a focus on both legacy systems and new technologies, as U.S. officials confirm adequate munitions stockpiles. The funding request is currently being prepared for Congress, with expectations of bipartisan support due to concerns over munitions depth.

HDT Robotics deployed several Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicles for military training and operational evaluation in the United States. The vehicles are designed to support soldiers by performing logistics, communications, and casualty evacuation roles. Training activities allow personnel to operate the system under realistic conditions, enhancing their familiarity with its capabilities.

Germany is significantly increasing its defense spending to 150 billion euros annually by 2029, marking a major shift in its military policy. The Bundeswehr is set to enhance its capabilities with new tanks, aircraft, and naval vessels. Concurrently, the EU is expanding its defense partnerships and discussing strategic autonomy amid rising tensions with the United States. NATO's Cold Response 2026 exercise involves over 20,000 troops, emphasizing operational effectiveness and societal resilience.

Alexandra ReevesThu Mar 12 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army developed the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade, which utilizes blast overpressure for lethality instead of fragmentation, making it suitable for urban combat. It will first be issued to the Immediate Response Force and is planned for broader deployment starting in 2028. This grenade is designed for confined spaces, addressing the risks associated with traditional fragmentation grenades in urban environments.

The U.S. Army has developed the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade, which utilizes blast overpressure for lethality instead of fragmentation. This new grenade is designed for confined spaces and will first be issued to the Army's Immediate Response Force, with plans to field it to other services starting in 2028. The M111 aims to reduce the risk of fratricide associated with traditional fragmentation grenades in urban combat environments.

The U.S. Army is developing a weapons catalog for international sales, focusing on integrated air and missile defense, long-range fires, drones, and counter drone systems. This initiative aligns with President Trump's executive order on foreign arms sales, aiming to restructure how the U.S. sells weapons abroad. Senior Army officials are evaluating international demand and production capacity to finalize the catalog's contents.

Canada is transitioning from its aging Victoria-class submarines to a new fleet of 12 submarines, evaluating options from Germany's TKMS Type 212CD and South Korea's Hanwha KSS-III. The Canadian government plans to award a contract by the end of the year, with the first deliveries expected in the 2030s. This procurement aims to enhance Canada's naval capabilities, particularly in the Arctic region.

The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Ursa Major conducted a successful test flight of the Affordable Rapid Missile Demonstrator (ARMD) in the United States, achieving supersonic speeds. This flight validated operational concepts for the missile powered by the Draper liquid rocket engine, emphasizing advancements in rapidly deployable missile technologies. The project showcases collaboration between AFRL and private industry to develop cost-effective missile systems.

Four Skydio X10D drone systems were stolen from the 326th Division Engineer Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, between November 21 and 24, 2025. The Army Criminal Investigation Division announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspects. Investigators released images of two suspects and two vehicles potentially involved in the theft.

The USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125) became operational on October 25, 2023, marking a significant milestone for the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers. These advanced warships, equipped with the Raytheon AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, enhance U.S. naval capabilities. A total of 24 Flight III destroyers have been ordered, with 15 under construction, reinforcing the Navy's surface dominance in maritime operations.

Anduril is prototyping the Dive-XL autonomous submarine for the US Navy as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP) in Washington. The contract requires a long-range demonstration within four months. The Dive-XL is similar to the Ghost Shark XL-AUVs being delivered to the Royal Australian Navy and aims to enhance interoperability with allied forces.

The B-21 Raider successfully completed an aerial refueling operation with a KC-135R Stratotanker on March 10, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its preparation for active duty in 2027. The U.S. Air Force plans to station the B-21 at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, with an expected production of at least 100 units, each costing $550 million and capable of nuclear and conventional strikes.

The U.S. Navy plans to introduce the Trump-class battleship by 2026, equipped with nuclear-armed cruise missiles and advanced weaponry, fundamentally altering its nuclear deterrence strategy. This new class of battleship aims to enhance U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, amidst rising tensions with adversaries such as China. The projected cost for the lead ship is $22 billion, raising concerns about fiscal implications and escalation control in military engagements.

American Rheinmetall demonstrated its Counter-Unmanned Aerial System during a live-fire event at Big Sandy Range, successfully engaging small drone targets. The system, integrated onto the GM Defense Infantry Squad Vehicle-C, is designed for rapid maneuver operations and will participate in the upcoming Concept Focused Warfighting Experimentation at Fort Sill. The tests confirmed the system's readiness for further evaluation and its economic efficiency in countering low-cost aerial threats.

The U.S. Navy resumed testing of its electromagnetic railgun weapon system at White Sands Missile Range in February 2025. This testing, conducted over three days, aimed to gather technical data on the weapon's performance. The railgun, which uses electrical energy to launch projectiles at high speeds, represents a significant advancement in military technology. The program had faced previous delays due to budget issues, but renewed interest in railgun technology persists amid international developments.