Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman are accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California, with the first operational aircraft expected at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the U.S. long-range strike capabilities against modern air defenses, supported by significant investments in manufacturing infrastructure and digital engineering tools.

The U.S. Air Force announced an agreement with Northrop Grumman to increase production of the B-21 Raider bomber, targeting delivery by 2027. This initiative is supported by $4.5 billion in funding and aims to enhance operational capabilities for combatant commanders. The B-21 is expected to be operational at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota by 2027, following its flight testing that began in November 2023.

Lockheed Martin successfully flight-tested a new artificial intelligence feature on the F-35 Lightning fighter at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. This AI model enhances pilots' situational awareness by identifying unknown contacts in real-time. The system, known as Project Overwatch, allows for rapid updates and retraining of the AI model during mission planning cycles, marking a significant advancement in military aviation technology.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded a $30 million contract to AST SpaceMobile USA for a demonstration of commercial satellite communication with US military radios. This initiative utilizes the BlueBird constellation of satellites, with six currently in orbit and a seventh set for launch. The project is part of the HALO program, aimed at validating commercial solutions for tactical communication capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to allocate $152 billion in fiscal year 2026 for various defense initiatives, including $25 billion for munitions procurement and $24.4 billion for missile defense. Key investments will enhance the defense industrial base, focusing on solid rocket motors and hypersonic weapons. Additionally, $29 billion is designated for Navy shipbuilding to restore the maritime industrial base.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is developing long-range standoff weapons for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian in San Diego as of February 23, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities to hold targets at risk over vast distances, particularly in the Western Pacific. GA-ASI plans to integrate and test these new weapons, responding to increasing demand from military forces.

Pyka announced the development of the DropShip autonomous cargo drone on February 23, 2026, designed for logistics transport and casualty evacuation in contested environments. The drone aims to minimize risks to pilots and high-value aircraft, addressing challenges in modern military logistics. It is engineered for operations in high-threat areas and is approaching its first flight milestone.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which executed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise underscores the Air Force's focus on enhancing combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which performed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters through unmanned systems.

The U.S. Army held its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within the next 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. He emphasized the urgency of scaling drone production to counter threats from adversarial nations.

The U.S. Army concluded its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. The Army emphasizes the need to scale drone production rapidly to counter threats from adversarial nations.

The US Army is preparing to field small, one-way attack drones to every squad by October 1, 2023, and is evaluating training and logistics for their integration. A recent drone warfighter competition explored necessary training and tactics changes. The Army is addressing concerns about property accountability for these drones, aiming to have every squad equipped with FPV-style weapons by the end of fiscal 2026.

Rolls Royce confirmed the delivery of upgraded F130 engines for the B-52 Stratofortress, expected in 2027. The engines are part of a multi-billion dollar Commercial Engine Replacement Program and will support the aircraft's modernization as it transitions to the B-52J designation. Testing has been conducted at the Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tennessee, with further testing planned at NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. conducted a demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming with the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2026. The MQ-20 Avenger operated autonomously alongside the F-22 Raptor, showcasing advanced integration and tactical coordination. The mission involved live engagement and highlighted the capabilities of autonomous systems to execute commands from manned platforms.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced the YFQ-42A Dark Merlin, a new uncrewed fighter aircraft, on 23 February 2026 in San Diego. The Dark Merlin is designed for collaborative combat and has achieved significant milestones in flight testing, including successful autonomous operations. GA-ASI expects the aircraft to enter production as FQ-42A, reflecting its advanced capabilities in modern air combat.

An MQ-20 drone executed tactical maneuvers under the command of an F-22 pilot during a mock combat mission at Edwards Air Force Base in California earlier this month. This demonstration highlighted the integration of advanced autonomous systems and the capabilities of the drone to perform combat patrols and threat engagement tasks. General Atomics is actively involved in developing collaborative combat aircraft for the U.S. Air Force.

The U.S. Army issued a Request for Information on February 20, 2026, seeking industry participation for a modification program to upgrade 12 to 24 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters annually. This initiative aims to enhance operational readiness and manage long-term sustainment challenges. An industry day held on February 19, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama, outlined the requirements for modernization and sustainment of the helicopter fleet.

The U.S. Army published a Sources Sought Notice on February 20, 2026, seeking industry input for the production of a firing mechanism component for 60mm mortar systems. The Army requires an estimated 55 units per year to support operational sustainment. Responses are due by March 9, 2026, and participation is voluntary, with a Technical Data Package available only to authorized contractors.

The U.S. Army announced an Industry Day for the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 program, scheduled for March 23–24, 2026, at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This event will outline plans for a competitive missile fly-off aimed at developing an extended-range precision strike capability, with a focus on engaging targets beyond 1,000 kilometers. The program seeks to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments where GPS may be denied.

USS New Mexico (SSN 779) arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on February 21, 2026, for a major overhaul aimed at extending its operational life and enhancing combat capabilities. The Virginia-class attack submarine, crewed by over 120 Sailors, will undergo extensive modernization to meet future operational demands. This overhaul is a priority for the U.S. Navy, reflecting the submarine's operational value and readiness prior to maintenance.