Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force has improved the F-35's stealth coating to enhance durability and reduce maintenance compared to the F-22 Raptor. This advancement allows the F-35 to maintain its stealth capabilities with less upkeep, addressing the high operational costs associated with the F-22. The Air Force has also retrofitted some of the F-35's coatings onto the F-22 to improve its performance.

U.S. Central Command conducted a combat strike using three Corsair unmanned surface vessels against a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base over the recent weekend. This operation marks the first combat use of American sea drones, aimed at degrading Iran's capability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH has assumed full responsibility for the InterRoC VII research project, focusing on the development of autonomous military logistics systems. The project aims to enhance convoy management and interoperability among different vehicle platforms. Rheinmetall showcased its capabilities at the ELROB 2026 event in Thun, Switzerland, demonstrating advanced automated convoy control technologies.

Belgium's Ministry of Defence placed its first order for MRZR D4 tactical off-road vehicles on July 13, 2026, through a NATO contract valued at $10.6 million. This acquisition aims to replace the aging Groundhog vehicle fleet and enhance operational capabilities. The MRZR D4 vehicles are designed for rapid response and special operations, supporting Belgium's military mobility in challenging conditions.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop a next-generation infrared search and track system for its F-15 fleet, as indicated by a sources-sought notice published on June 26, 2023, in Dayton. This initiative comes as the planned F-15EX fleet expands to 267 aircraft, highlighting the need for advanced detection capabilities to counter stealth fighters. The current IRST systems have limitations that the new system aims to overcome, reflecting a significant shift in military technology strategy.

American Rheinmetall Munitions has developed the HAMMR, a new rifle designed to engage hidden enemies and small drones. This weapon is part of the U.S. Army's Precision Grenadier System program and features a new 40mm medium-velocity cartridge. The HAMMR allows soldiers to effectively target enemies behind cover and is compatible with existing ammunition. Competing designs from other manufacturers are also in development.

Ukrainian drone strikes recently killed three and wounded five in Pionersky, Moscow region. The strikes also caused a fire in Stavropol and temporarily disrupted operations at Moscow airports. Ukrainian drones flew 1,500 miles to hit an oil refinery in Omsk, marking the longest-range strike of the war. These actions are testing Russian air defenses and have led to significant operational disruptions.

The HYDIS hypersonic defense interceptor system, led by MBDA and involving France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, passed its Final Concept Review on July 10, 2026. The program aims to develop an interceptor against hypersonic threats, with a budget of around 100 million euros for the next steps. Competing with the HYDEF program, the report emphasizes the necessity for a unified European air defense strategy to address emerging threats effectively.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

Turkey reportedly sold its Russian S-400 missile systems to a Gulf state, possibly the UAE or Qatar, to facilitate its return to the F-35 program. The Kremlin has acknowledged discussions about the systems, but no official confirmation of the sale has been made. This move aims to lift sanctions and improve Turkey's military relations with the U.S. while raising concerns about the implications for U.S. air defense in the region.

Rheinmetall MAN Military Vehicles GmbH has assumed full responsibility for the InterRoC VII project, focusing on the development of autonomous military logistics systems. The project was highlighted during the ELROB 2026 event in Thun, Switzerland, where Rheinmetall showcased its capabilities in autonomous convoy management. The HX vehicle family is the technological foundation for this initiative, which aims to enhance military logistics efficiency and safety, even in challenging environments.

Helsing raised $1.8 billion in Series E funding on July 13, 2026, in Munich, enhancing its defense AI capabilities. The investment, which values the company at $18 billion, was driven by strong demand from investors, including Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase. This funding will support the integration of new AI platforms into defense technologies for partner nations.

Auterion has partnered with Skyfall to supply 50,000 FPV drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with deliveries starting this week. The drones, equipped with autonomy software, are designed to strike moving targets and have been used effectively in combat. The contract is believed to be funded by Germany, and the total order exceeds previous deployments to Ukraine.

Auterion has partnered with Skyfall to supply 50,000 FPV drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with deliveries starting this week. The drones, equipped with autonomy software, are designed to strike moving targets and are part of a contract valued at $100 million. The order, more than double previous deployments, was awarded by an undisclosed European NATO nation, believed to be Germany. The Shrike drones have already proven effective in combat against Russian military assets.

The U.S. Navy is developing a new system that enables Virginia-class submarines to launch and recover autonomous Iver4 900 drones through torpedo tubes. This capability, awarded to L3Harris in March 2023, enhances the Navy's operational reach and efficiency in undersea warfare. The system has been validated for various missions, including reconnaissance and mine detection, and represents a significant advancement in submarine warfare technology.

The U.S. Navy is decommissioning the Ticonderoga-class cruisers USS Shiloh and USS Lake Erie, reducing the fleet to three remaining cruisers by 2029. This marks the first time in generations that the Navy will operate no cruisers, significantly impacting naval firepower. The replacement destroyers have fewer missile tubes, exacerbating the loss of capability.

Turkey is negotiating its return to the F-35 program by 2026, which raises concerns for Israel regarding military balance in the region. The U.S. is considering lifting sanctions imposed after Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 system. Israel fears that Turkey's access to F-35s could enhance its military capabilities, impacting regional security dynamics. Discussions include the potential transfer of the S-400 to a Gulf state to facilitate Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 released a handbook in December 2023 detailing counter-drone strategies, asserting that drones are not a 'silver bullet' in warfare. The guide emphasizes the need for a foundational understanding of drone threats and outlines various countermeasures based on recent military experiences, including operations in Ukraine. It highlights the ongoing challenges posed by drones and the importance of adapting military tactics to address these threats effectively.

Helsing raised $1.8 billion in a funding round in Munich, Germany, significantly increasing its valuation to $18 billion. This funding will accelerate the development of AI platforms for defense capabilities, reflecting strong investor confidence in AI-driven defense technology. The company offers advanced products such as the HX-2 strike drone and collaborates with major defense firms.

Canada signed agreements with Australia to acquire the Arctic Over-The-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) to enhance NORAD's airspace surveillance capabilities. The deal, valued at US$1.75 billion, aims to fill significant gaps in radar coverage, allowing detection of airborne and surface targets. The A-OTHR is expected to achieve initial operational capability by December 2029, improving monitoring of potential threats, including from Russia.

Ukraine's military conducted a mass simultaneous strike using at least ten modified light aircraft to target an underground logistics hub in Armyansk, Crimea. The aircraft, converted from ultralight models, were equipped with Soviet-designed high-explosive bombs. This operation represents a significant evolution in Ukraine's military capabilities, showcasing their ability to utilize civilian technology for military purposes.