Analysis & Reports

Doodle Labs is expanding its manufacturing capabilities in Warsaw, Poland, to meet the rising demand for jam-resistant radios used in drones. The company plans to collaborate with local partners in the U.S. and Europe over the next two years. Doodle Labs can produce tens of thousands of radios monthly, adapting its technology for the Ukrainian military's needs amid evolving battlefield threats.

U.S. President Trump announced that the Qatari-donated Air Force One will undergo upgrades in the upcoming month due to security concerns. The aircraft, a Boeing 747, was accepted as a gift and has been in use since July 1. The U.S. Air Force is responsible for the upgrades, which aim to enhance the plane's capabilities.

NATO warns of realistic Russian threats to Poland and the Baltic states as Russia conducts missile strikes on Kyiv. The situation highlights the operational lessons for NATO regarding air defense and military readiness. Ukraine is evolving into a provider of military knowledge and technology, impacting NATO's strategic assessments.

Alexandra ReevesMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin introduced the Morfius X-Rotor at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow, a counter-drone system capable of neutralizing over 50 enemy drones in a single flight. The system, which utilizes a high power microwave architecture, is designed to be low-cost and reusable. Recent flight tests were conducted in Arizona, California, and Oklahoma, demonstrating its capabilities. This development comes as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on expensive interceptors against unmanned threats.

Canada is reviewing its defense procurement strategy, considering joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as an observer while reassessing its F-35 fighter jet purchases. Defense Minister David McGuinty confirmed the initial order of 16 F-35s and indicated potential interest in acquiring additional aircraft, including Saab Gripen. The country seeks to strengthen military ties with the UK and other partners amid ongoing evaluations of its defense capabilities.

Lockheed Martin announced the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector (ACE) interceptor missile in London, designed to be a cost-effective solution for intercepting drones and missiles. The new missile costs less than half of the existing PAC-3 MSE interceptor and is compatible with legacy systems. This development comes as the U.S. seeks to address the high costs associated with current interceptor systems amid ongoing military operations.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a three-phase attack on U.S. military targets on July 20. The first phase struck drone maintenance facilities at Sakhir Air Base in Bahrain, followed by an attack on Salman Port. The final phase targeted facilities at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, utilizing missiles and drones as part of a retaliation effort against U.S. military actions.

Anduril unveiled the Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft, at the 2026 Farnborough Airshow in London. Designed to operate alongside crewed helicopters, it features a hybrid-electric powertrain and can carry a variety of munitions. The Thunder aims to enhance military operations by providing support in various missions, with a first flight planned for 2027.

Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled the Hypnosis air defense system in Jerusalem, designed to jam and spoof satellite navigation signals of aerial threats. This new system consists of mobile stations that work together to disrupt command-and-control signals, targeting drone swarms and other aerial threats. The announcement comes amid rising military tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving the U.S. and Iran.

The U.S. Navy operates 14 Ohio-class submarines, each capable of carrying approximately 90 nuclear warheads, equating to about 540 Hiroshimas of explosive force. These submarines serve as a strategic deterrent, designed to remain undetected while providing significant nuclear capabilities. The New START treaty has limited their warhead capacity, but they can potentially be reloaded to their maximum capacity if necessary. The stealth and firepower of these submarines are central to U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy.

Canada is expanding its fleet of Armoured Combat Support Vehicles (ACSVs) by ordering 190 new units from General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada. This $1.4 billion deal was announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney, indicating a significant enhancement of the Canadian Armed Forces' capabilities.

Saft signed a major contract with Naval Group to supply advanced Li-ion battery systems for Barracuda and Scorpene submarines in Europe. This partnership aims to enhance submarine performance and operational safety, marking a significant advancement in European defense technology.

The U.S. Air Force is integrating semiautonomous aircraft through simulations and training exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The first live-fire test of an inert AIM-120 from a YFQ-44A was conducted, with further testing planned for the YFQ-42A this fall. The Air Force aims to acquire 100 to 150 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) in the first phase, with a long-term goal of 1,000 aircraft. China is also developing similar autonomous capabilities for air combat.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) introduced the ELLYON multi-mission aircraft, which integrates electronic attack capabilities with advanced intelligence-gathering sensors. The aircraft is designed to operate from hundreds of kilometers away, allowing it to disrupt enemy systems while collecting detailed intelligence. ELLYON features an AI-driven mission management system that processes data in real time, enhancing operational efficiency in contested environments.

Saudi Arabia requested 20,000 APKWS II missiles worth $1.96 billion to enhance its air defense capabilities against drones and low-cost aerial threats. The deal, announced on July 16, 2026, includes both air-to-air and air-to-ground variants, with BAE Systems as the primary contractor. This procurement indicates a strategic shift in Saudi defense policy towards more economical solutions for air defense.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 20 2026Loading...

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is advancing European defense capabilities through the development of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and Gambit Series UAS. These systems are being adopted by NATO allies for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, with the MQ-9B enhancing interoperability and operational readiness. The Gambit Series aims to provide cost-effective, single-mission uncrewed aircraft for various applications, including air-to-air combat and precision strikes.

BAE Systems unveiled a helmet-mounted prototype named Project Intuity at the Farnborough Airshow in London, aimed at assisting pilots in managing drone operations under complex battlefield conditions. The system is designed to filter and present critical information to pilots, enhancing their ability to command fleets of drones. This development aligns with the U.S. Air Force's ongoing experiments with integrating drone wingmen into air combat.

Anduril unveiled Thunder, an autonomous attack rotorcraft designed to operate alongside crewed helicopters, addressing the risks faced by traditional attack helicopters in modern warfare. The aircraft can carry various munitions and features a hybrid-electric powertrain. Thunder's first flight is targeted for 2027.

Anduril announced plans to develop an autonomous attack tiltrotor named Thunder for the U.S. Army in London. The aircraft is designed to accompany helicopters on missions, enhancing their capabilities with a range of armaments. The first flight is expected next year, with production potentially starting by the end of the decade. This initiative aims to provide a cost-effective solution for military operations.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking an air defense missile system to protect its installations in the Middle East against cruise missiles and drones. The Request for Information, due by August 6, outlines requirements for a system capable of intercepting various threats, including small drones and larger UAVs. This initiative follows recent attacks on U.S. bases by Iranian drones and missiles, highlighting the need for enhanced air defense capabilities.