Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is on track to debut the F-47 Next Generation Air Dominance fighter in 2028, with Boeing successfully meeting development milestones. The aircraft is designed to operate in contested environments, featuring advanced capabilities such as a combat radius of 1,000 nautical miles and the ability to deploy nuclear-tipped hypersonic weapons. Production is already underway, with plans for up to 185 units depending on budget constraints.

The U.S. Air Force is transitioning the B-21 Raider into operational status, with production expected to reach hundreds of units. Unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, the B-21 is designed to enhance the U.S. nuclear triad and features advanced stealth and communication capabilities. It is set to replace the B-2 Spirit and will play a critical role in modern air operations.

The F-14 Tomcat was employed as a multirole strike platform, notably during Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, where it carried out bombing missions against Bosnian Serb forces. The aircraft, originally designed to carry bombs, demonstrated its capabilities with various munitions, including precision-guided and cluster bombs. Iranian F-14s were also equipped for bombing roles, reflecting the aircraft's intended multirole design.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit from the 509th Bomb Wing integrated with Navy Carrier Air Wing 11 for a long-range maritime strike exercise off California in February 2026. This exercise showcased the operational debut of the AIM-174B 'Gunslinger' missile, enhancing U.S. capabilities to counter anti-access threats in the Indo-Pacific region. The B-2's role in anti-ship operations is increasing, highlighting the importance of joint air-maritime integration.

The U.S. Army awarded three contracts exceeding $1.27 billion for the development, production, and testing of Binocular Night Observation Devices on Feb. 27, 2026. Contracts were given to L3 Technologies Inc., Elbit Systems of America, and Photonis Defense Inc., with performance expected to last until Feb. 27, 2033. The new devices aim to improve nighttime vision for soldiers using advanced optical systems.

The U.S. is implementing a defense strategy that prioritizes homeland security and the Indo-Pacific, recognizing China as the primary threat. Key initiatives include enhancing military capabilities in the Philippines and Taiwan, alongside a substantial arms package for Taiwan. The strategy reflects a shift in focus while maintaining a strong deterrent posture against China.

Marcus ChenSat Feb 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy awarded Textron Systems a $32 million contract modification to continue the development of the Mine Countermeasures Unmanned Surface Vehicle (MCM USV). Work will primarily take place in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with additional efforts in Panama City, Florida, and Arlington, Virginia, and is scheduled for completion by February 2027. The MCM USV aims to enhance mine countermeasure capabilities while reducing risks to sailors in mine-threat environments.

Hypersonix Launch Systems successfully conducted the first flight test of its DART AE hypersonic aircraft on February 27, 2026, from Wallops Island, Virginia. The flight, part of a U.S. Department of War mission, validated key technologies for hypersonic flight, operating at speeds exceeding Mach 5. This test marks a significant advancement in the development of military hypersonic capabilities.

Debate continues over the SR-71 Blackbird's speed capabilities, with former pilots claiming it exceeded Mach 3.5 during missions. Developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War, the aircraft was designed for strategic reconnaissance, flying at altitudes above 80,000 feet. Its officially published cruising speed is Mach 3.2, but some suggest it could operate faster under certain conditions. The aircraft's design prioritized speed to evade enemy defenses.

German Luftwaffe pilots achieved multiple notional kills against USAF F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag-Alaska exercises in 2012. Eight Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel participated in the two-week maneuvers, where the Typhoons effectively exploited their high-G capabilities and thrust-to-weight ratio. This exercise raised questions about the F-22's tactical effectiveness, particularly when equipped with external fuel tanks.

The U.S. Air Force deployed over 100 F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters to the Middle East, including 12 F-22 Raptors to an Israeli Air Force base on February 24, 2023. This deployment aims to enhance combat capabilities against Iran's legacy air power, primarily consisting of F-14 and MiG-29 aircraft. The integration of AI technology into these fighters is expected to improve their effectiveness in combat operations.

On February 17, 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler achieved a simulated kill against a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor during an exercise at Nellis AFB. The Growler employed electronic warfare tactics to exploit the F-22's vulnerabilities, raising important questions about the effectiveness of stealth in modern air combat. This incident underscores the significance of electronic warfare in future conflicts.

The U.S. military shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a laser system near Fort Hancock, Texas, on Thursday. This incident led to the FAA closing airspace around the area for security reasons. It marks the second occurrence this month involving military lasers at the border, highlighting ongoing concerns about drone threats from Mexican cartels.

Pratt & Whitney unveiled the XA103 adaptive-cycle engine intended for the U.S. Air Force's F-47 fighter, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program. The design emphasizes stealth and long-range capabilities, with Boeing contracted to develop the aircraft, expected to fly for the first time in 2028. The F-47 will function as a command node for collaborative unmanned systems.

The U.S. Army has paused the Milestone B approval for the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program, indicating a reassessment of its options. Army officials are exploring alternatives to improve procurement speed and flexibility, as evidenced by a recent Request for Information (RFI) aimed at gathering innovative solutions. This decision reflects ongoing pressures on the program and the Army's commitment to delivering effective combat vehicles.

The U.S. Army has paused the Milestone B approval for the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle program, indicating a reassessment of its design and potential alternatives. Army officials are actively exploring options to enhance the program's competitiveness and address budget pressures. A recent Request for Information (RFI) suggests the Army is seeking innovative solutions for ground combat vehicles, reflecting ongoing concerns about the XM30's development timeline and costs.

The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near Fort Hancock, Texas, on Thursday. This incident led to the FAA closing airspace in the area, marking the second use of a laser system in two weeks. Lawmakers expressed concern over the lack of coordination between military and civilian agencies regarding drone threats at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Canada is considering a shift from purchasing the F-35 Lightning II to the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, jeopardizing NORAD and NATO interoperability. This decision is influenced by political tensions with the U.S. and the Canadian government's desire to maintain a strong defense posture. Canadian military leadership advocates for the F-35 due to its advanced capabilities and integration with U.S. forces.

Boeing's F-47 next-generation fighter is on track for its first flight in 2028, with the U.S. Air Force planning to purchase at least 185 jets. The aircraft will feature a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles and speeds above Mach 2, with the first airframe already in production. This development is part of the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance program, which has received significant funding from Congress.

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces recently struck and destroyed a previously undocumented variant of the Pantsir-S1 air defense system located near the front line. The system was uniquely mounted on a Belarusian MZKT-7930 chassis, marking the first confirmed evidence of this variant in active deployment. This action underscores Ukraine's ongoing efforts to target high-value Russian military equipment.