Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army briefly released and then deleted photos of the 'Dark Eagle' hypersonic missile on the 21st, showcasing its readiness for combat deployment. The missile, developed for long-range strikes, can reach speeds of 17 Mach and has a range exceeding 3800 kilometers. The deletion of the photos remains unexplained, raising questions about operational security or administrative error.

The U.S. Army conducted its first Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, where soldiers showcased their skills in operating drones and tested new tactics. The event featured categories such as Best Drone Operator and Best Tactical Squad, with winners including Staff Sgt. Angel Caliz and Spc. Jonah Burks. The competition aimed to enhance the Army's integration of UAS technology into military operations and is set to expand with new challenges next year.

U.S. defense companies Janus Marine & Defense LLC and Raven Defense Corporation announced a partnership to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of America. The initiative focuses on using autonomous and remotely operated technologies to protect offshore energy and shipping operations, addressing the growing demand for security solutions in high-risk maritime environments. The collaboration aims to integrate various autonomous platforms for continuous monitoring and threat detection.

The U.S. Army's 17th Field Artillery Brigade conducted a live-fire exercise using the HIMARS system in Alaska during the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center 26-02. This exercise validated the brigade's capability to operate in extreme Arctic conditions while supporting the 11th Airborne Division. The training focused on rapid deployment and integration of long-range precision fires despite operational challenges posed by the cold environment.

The F-20 Tigershark, developed by Northrop as a high-tech interceptor, was ultimately canceled in 1986 after two prototypes were lost. Despite its advanced features and capabilities, it failed to secure international sales as allies opted for the F-16. The program represents a significant investment in military aviation technology that did not yield financial returns.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $16.8 million contract modification to Oshkosh Defense for the procurement of ROGUE-Fires missile carriers on February 20, 2026. The work will be conducted primarily in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with additional operations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Alexandria, Virginia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by December 2026. The ROGUE-Fires system will enhance the Marine Corps' capability for long-range precision strikes against maritime targets.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $43.5 million contract modification for the PAC-3 air and missile defense system at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This modification raises the total contract value to $223 million and aims to ensure the operational readiness of the PAC-3 system through launcher recapitalization. The contract activities are expected to be completed by February 22, 2027.

The U.S. Air Force is developing a three-tiered air dominance strategy involving the upgraded F-22, modernized F-35, and new F-47 aircraft. This strategy aims to maintain air superiority against advanced adversaries like China. The F-22 will be upgraded to extend its operational relevance, while the F-35 is undergoing significant modernization. The F-47, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program, is designed to enhance combat effectiveness through coordination with drones. Budget constraints may impact the feasibility of sustaining all three aircraft simultaneously.

The U.S. Army is adapting its drone combat doctrine and training based on insights from global conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill emphasized the transformative impact of drones on military operations during the Army's Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama. He noted that while drones enhance capabilities, the need for skilled human pilots remains critical.

The U.S. Army is adapting its drone combat doctrine and training based on lessons learned from global conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill emphasized the transformative impact of drones on military operations during the Army's Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama. The Army is developing a new database system, Project Victor, to enhance access to drone operation information for soldiers.

The Army National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division won the Best Innovation award at the U.S. Army’s inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. They developed Project RED, a drone designed to retrieve downed unmanned aircraft using a robotic claw. The team received recognition and support from Army leadership, highlighting their innovative capabilities.

The 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard won the Best Innovation award at the U.S. Army's inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. They developed Project RED, a drone equipped with a claw to retrieve downed drones, utilizing artificial intelligence to distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft. The team was recognized for their innovative design and received additional support from the Army Research Laboratory for further improvements.

Pratt & Whitney unveiled an update on the XA103 adaptive-cycle engine, revealing a notional design of the F-47 fighter, part of the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance program, on February 17, 2026. The design emphasizes extreme stealth and maneuverability, with Boeing selected to develop the aircraft in March 2025. The first flight is scheduled for 2028, aiming to maintain U.S. air superiority against advanced adversaries.

In February 2026, Canada confirmed it is making payments for 14 additional F-35 aircraft, raising its total commitment to 30 jets. This decision comes amid a strategic review of its defense policy, which may lead to a mixed fleet of F-35s and Saab Gripen fighters to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on U.S. defense supplies. The government aims to address geopolitical tensions while maintaining military readiness.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to develop an autonomous boom system for the KC-390 tanker in Melbourne, Florida, with an investment of over $500 million. This system aims to enhance the KC-390's refueling capabilities for a wider range of aircraft, including U.S. Air Force models. The KC-390 is already in use by several countries and is compliant with U.S. defense regulations, indicating strong market potential.

The U.S. Air Force deployed 16 aging E-3 Sentry aircraft to the Middle East this week, highlighting the urgent need for a replacement. The E-7 Wedgetail is planned to replace the E-3, with the first units expected by 2027, but its future remains uncertain after the Pentagon attempted to cancel the program. Retired military leaders have urged Congress to support the E-7, emphasizing the E-3's critical role in air operations.

The U.S. Air Force is preparing to approve the production of the T-7 Red Hawk training jet within days, following years of delays. The first operational capability is targeted for November 2027, with two aircraft already delivered to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Boeing is committed to the program, which aims to replace the aging T-38 Talon.

Teledyne Continental Motors developed the Super M60 main battle tank prototype in 1978 to enhance the M60 series against modern anti-tank threats. The prototype featured a 1,200 hp engine and advanced armor but failed to attract export customers, resulting in only one unit being built. The program was ultimately sidelined by the end of the Cold War.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has undergone significant upgrades, including the integration of the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, enhancing its capabilities for air defense and interception. These upgrades extend its service life to 12,000 hours and improve its multi-role versatility. The aircraft remains operationally viable and is utilized by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations for various missions, despite its lack of stealth compared to newer models like the F-35.

In early 2026, the U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers are being upgraded to a 'Super Bomber' configuration, enhancing their missile capacity by 50% to carry up to 31 long-range standoff weapons. This transformation is part of a $50 million budget initiative aimed at countering advanced air defense systems from China and Russia. The B-1B will continue to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations until the B-21 Raider becomes fully operational in the 2030s.