Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army tested a new 30 mm Aviation Proximity Explosive round, known as APEX, at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona on March 12, 2026. This round is designed for use with the AH-64 Apache helicopter to counter unmanned aerial systems (UAS). During the tests, approximately 1,200 rounds were fired at various targets, demonstrating the round's capabilities. The next phase involves obtaining airworthiness release for operational use.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $19.5 million contract modification to General Dynamics Bath Iron Works for engineering and technical support of Zumwalt-class destroyers. Most of the work will occur in Bath, Maine, and is scheduled to continue through March 2027. This contract is essential for maintaining the advanced technologies used in these destroyers.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 Stratofortress has been deployed in Iran, conducting strikes during Operation Epic Fury. The modernization to the B-52J variant is facing delays, particularly in radar production, which is now expected to be completed by 2030. This upgrade is essential for maintaining strategic capabilities against potential threats from China and other nations.

The U.S. Air Force evaluated the F-15SE Silent Eagle, a modified version of the F-15 Strike Eagle, but ultimately chose the F-15EX Eagle II for its superior payload capacity. The F-15SE, designed to incorporate limited stealth features, was unable to compete with the F-35's low-observability. Key features of the F-15SE included internal weapons bays and advanced sensors, but it never secured a production contract due to the dominance of the F-35 in the global market.

The U.S. Marine Corps is pursuing the development of the Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) to enhance troop concealment from thermal sensors. The Corps plans to acquire 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and 61,000 by 2030, aiming to improve individual signature management for Marines in various operational environments. The MCO is designed to provide effective camouflage across multiple infrared spectrums and is intended for use in training and deployment, not routine garrison wear.

The U.S. Marine Corps is pursuing the development of the Multispectral Camouflage Overgarment (MCO) to enhance troop concealment from thermal sensors. The Corps plans to acquire 13,000 cloaks by 2027 and 61,000 by 2030, aiming to mitigate detection across various infrared spectrums. The MCO is intended for use in training and deployment, not routine garrison wear.

Ukrainian drone commanders will brief U.S. policymakers on modern drone warfare at the Ground Truth Symposium in Washington on March 25. The symposium will focus on Ukraine's expertise in drone tactics and technology, particularly in light of recent conflicts. Ukrainian interceptors have successfully destroyed a significant percentage of incoming Shahed drones, showcasing their effectiveness in air defense.

Ukrainian drone commanders will brief U.S. policymakers on modern drone warfare at the Ground Truth Symposium in Washington on March 25. The event will focus on integrating drone technology into air defense systems and share lessons learned from Ukraine's experience in the ongoing conflict. Representatives from various Ukrainian drone units, including the Lazar Group and the 414th UAV Brigade, will participate.

The Pentagon plans to procure 30,000 one-way attack drones in August 2023, enhancing battlefield capabilities through mobile 3D printing technology. Firestorm is developing a 3D printing setup for rapid production of military parts, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains. Additionally, the military is focusing on eliminating foreign components in drone manufacturing and integrating AI technology into submarines for improved operational efficiency.

Anduril Industries has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ExoAnalytic Solutions in Washington. This acquisition aims to enhance Anduril's capabilities in satellite and missile tracking for US military missions. ExoAnalytic, valued at about $15.6 million, operates a global network of 400 telescopes and supplies missile tracking sensors to the Pentagon. The integration of ExoAnalytic's expertise is expected to bolster Anduril's defense technology offerings.

The USS Ohio and three other Ohio-class submarines are being converted to Guided Missile Submarines (SSGNs) at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, enhancing their capability to launch Tomahawk missiles. The Tomahawk Block IV missile has advanced to include features like loitering and retargeting, making it a key asset for the U.S. Navy's long-range strike capabilities. This evolution positions the Tomahawk as a critical component in modern military operations.

iRocket successfully completed a test flight of the iRX-100 missile in the United States, achieving Mach 2 and a range of six kilometers. The test confirmed the missile's compatibility with a launcher from Arnold Defense, supporting its use in counter-UAS operations. This development aims to enhance military capabilities without requiring new launcher infrastructure.

REGENT Craft began sea trials for the Viceroy Seaglider prototype and the Squire Seaglider drone in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, on March 11, 2026. The trials are part of a program to validate high-speed maritime vehicles for commercial and potential defense missions. The Viceroy Seaglider is designed to operate in multiple modes, and the company plans to scale production with a new facility to meet growing demand.

The Department of Homeland Security plans to install AI upgrades in 148 uncrewed camera towers and add 50 next-generation towers along the U.S. border in 2024. GDIT is set to provide advanced surveillance technology featuring long-range cameras and solar power systems. Congress has allocated $2.7 billion for upgrading border surveillance technology, although studies show that surveillance towers alone do not significantly increase apprehension rates.

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is set to begin its retirement process in May 2026 due to aging nuclear reactors, with the U.S. Navy transitioning to the Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is expected to enter service in 2027, ensuring continued naval capability. Despite the retirement, the U.S. Navy will maintain a robust fleet of 10 nuclear-powered carriers, supporting operations in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions.

F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters overwhelmed F-35 Lightning II aircraft using swarm tactics during the 2017 Red Flag exercise at Nellis Air Force Base. Despite the F-35's impressive 20:1 kill ratio, the F-16s exploited its limited missile capacity and forced close-range engagements, revealing vulnerabilities in stealth operations. The findings underscore the significance of numerical superiority and mass in modern aerial combat.

The F-117 Nighthawk has been deployed by the U.S. Air Force at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, with 300 Airmen supporting its operations. The aircraft will serve as a training platform and technology demonstrator, simulating adversarial roles against modern fighters like the Su-57 and J-20. It is expected to remain operational until 2034, showcasing its continued relevance in military training exercises.

The Royal Canadian Air Force is currently debating the procurement of Lockheed Martin F-35s versus Saab JAS 39 Gripens, with significant implications for NATO interoperability. The U.S. may restrict access to critical encryption systems, influencing Canada's decision. This situation is exacerbated by the current political climate and defense spending concerns, particularly in relation to the Trump administration's stance on NATO commitments.

The U.S. Army has placed orders for over 1,000 MAWL-X1 and DAGIR-V1 weapon-mounted laser systems from B.E. Meyers & Co. for delivery in 2025 and 2026. This procurement aims to enhance the Army's capabilities in night operations, improving targeting and engagement accuracy in low-light conditions. The MAWL-X1 and DAGIR-V1 systems are designed to assist soldiers in target identification and engagement during nighttime combat.

BlackSky Technology Inc. successfully delivered first light imagery from its fourth Gen-3 satellite shortly after its launch on March 10, 2026, enhancing ISR capabilities for warfighters. The Gen-3 constellation is designed to provide high-quality, real-time imagery to meet global demand for tactical ISR operations. This achievement underscores BlackSky's commitment to rapid deployment and operational readiness of its satellite assets.