Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force has accelerated the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber by 25%, with the first operational aircraft expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This decision, supported by $4.5 billion in funding, aims to enhance long-range strike capabilities and respond to emerging threats. The total planned procurement remains classified, but the Air Force targets at least 100 aircraft to replace aging fleets.

The U.S. Air Force has increased the production capacity of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber by 25%, with the first operational aircraft expected to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This decision, supported by $4.5 billion in funding, aims to enhance long-range strike capabilities and ensure faster delivery to combatant commanders. The Air Force plans to procure at least 100 B-21 aircraft to replace aging fleets.

The U.S. Marine Corps has contracted Global Military Products for the delivery and testing of Scorpion Light mobile mortar systems, valued at up to $4.9 million. The systems will enhance mobility and fire support for light infantry in challenging terrains. The Scorpion Light can deploy and fire eight rounds in under two minutes, and it is designed for rapid insertion via V-22 Osprey aircraft. This contract marks a significant step in the Marine Corps' mortar modernization efforts.

Russian forces conducted massed infantry assaults across eastern Ukraine from February 21-23, 2026, focusing on multiple tactical areas including Kupyansk and Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces executed counteroffensive operations, maintaining control of 97% of Kupyansk and utilizing advanced drone technology to strike deep into Russian territory. The operational tempo reflects ongoing attrition warfare, with significant casualties on both sides and challenges in Russian force generation.

Dmitri VolkovTue Feb 24 2026Loading...

The U.S. is assembling its largest concentration of airpower in the Middle East since 2003, with two carrier strike groups and numerous fighter squadrons deployed. This buildup, which began in late January and is expected to be complete by mid-March, aims to prepare for potential military strikes on Iran. The operation highlights a shift in air control responsibilities to joint forces, including the Army and Navy, as the Air Force's traditional role evolves.

The U.S. is assembling a significant military presence in the Middle East, including two carrier strike groups and various air and naval assets, in preparation for potential military action against Iran. This buildup, which began in late January, aims to achieve air control through a joint effort involving the Army and Navy, with full operational capability expected by mid-March. Analysts argue that the Air Force's current procurement strategy does not adequately address the need for sustained airpower.

Dr. David Gorsich, the U.S. Army's Chief Scientist, inspected the EAGLS counter-UAS platform at MSI Defense Solutions in Mooresville, North Carolina, last week. The visit included demonstrations of the system and discussions on future ground force modernization. Emphasis was placed on the collaboration between military, industry, and academic institutions to enhance defense capabilities.

Northrop Grumman is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with final assembly taking place in Palmdale, California. The first aircraft is scheduled to arrive at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This initiative is supported by over 8,000 personnel and a $5 billion investment in advanced manufacturing technologies, aimed at enhancing U.S. air power.

FN America conducted function testing of the FN MTL-30 30mm Medium Tactical Grenade Launcher in collaboration with Strategic Sciences. This testing is part of the U.S. Army’s Precision Grenadier System project, aimed at enhancing soldier capabilities in complex battlefield environments. The MTL-30 is designed to provide improved precision and lethality, complementing modern infantry operations.

The U.S. Air Force is testing the YFQ-44 Fury drone equipped with an inert AIM-120 missile as part of its developmental testing phase. This phase focuses on weapons integration and flight safety, ensuring the drone can operate alongside crewed aircraft. The testing is part of the broader Collaborative Combat Aircraft initiative aimed at enhancing mission capabilities in contested environments.

New illustrations of the DARPA X-68A LongShot unmanned combat aircraft have been released, showcasing its design and capabilities. The LongShot program aims to create an air-launched drone that can engage aerial threats independently, enhancing the combat reach of military aircraft while keeping pilots at a safer distance. DARPA has made significant progress towards integrated flight tests to validate the aircraft's performance in combat formations.

The Royal Canadian Air Force has begun assembly of its first CP-8A Poseidon aircraft in Canada, enhancing its maritime patrol capabilities. This aircraft is designed for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance, contributing to Canada's operational commitments under NORAD and NATO. Canadian personnel are currently training with allied forces to prepare for its operational deployment.

Boeing continues to field the F-15EX Eagle II, enhancing the U.S. Air Force's air superiority capabilities. The aircraft features advanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and is designed to operate alongside next-generation fighters. It has a combat record of over 100 air-to-air victories and is expected to maintain operational readiness for extended periods.

Northrop Grumman named its YFQ-48A prototype Talon Blue, identifying it as an autonomous fighter drone for the U.S. Air Force. The drone is part of Project Talon, aimed at developing modular and cost-effective autonomous aircraft to support crewed fighters. Talon Blue is designed to enhance air combat capabilities and is intended to operate alongside piloted jets, expanding combat capacity without increasing pilot workload.

BAE Systems successfully demonstrated a modular electromagnetic attack system in collaboration with the United States Air Force on February 23, 2026. The system, tested on a prototype unmanned aerial vehicle, is designed to generate scalable electromagnetic effects to disrupt enemy communications and command networks. This innovation allows for broader deployment across various military platforms, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities.

BAE Systems successfully demonstrated a modular electromagnetic attack system on February 23, 2026, in Hudson, NH, in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force. The system is designed to neutralize adversary air defenses and can be integrated into various platforms, including UAVs. This demonstration highlights the capability to deliver scalable electromagnetic effects across the battlefield.

BAE Systems delivered its 100,000th Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) laser-guidance kit on February 23, expanding production for U.S. and allied forces. The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its capabilities to counter unmanned aerial systems, highlighting the operational reliance on low-cost precision weapons. The APKWS system, which enhances unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions, is utilized by various U.S. military branches and is available to allied nations.

Anduril's drone wingman commenced armed flight testing in Aurora, Colorado, this month, following captive carry evaluations with inert munitions. The U.S. Air Force is collaborating with Anduril on this program, which aims to integrate advanced weapon systems into drone technology. Live firing tests are scheduled for 2026, as part of a broader initiative involving multiple defense contractors.

Anduril's drone wingman began armed flight testing in Aurora, Colorado, this month as part of the U.S. Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program. The Air Force is currently conducting evaluations with inert munitions, with plans for live firing tests in 2026. This development involves multiple companies, including General Atomics and Northrop Grumman, aiming to enhance military capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman reached an agreement to increase B-21 bomber production by 25% in Aurora, Colorado. This decision follows a $4.5 billion allocation aimed at enhancing the production capacity of the next-generation bombers. The Air Force plans to deliver the first B-21 bomber by 2027, with discussions on increasing the total number of aircraft from 100 to potentially 200 to address emerging threats.