Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Marine Corps is advancing plans to field a drone wingman by 2026, focusing on the MUX TACAIR program to enhance the F-35's capabilities. The YFQ-42A drone has been selected for integration, with a task force established to streamline the program's development. Key upcoming milestones include testing and the development of electronic warfare capabilities at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.

The U.S. Army issued a Request for Information to support market research for counter-drone systems for the Red Sands Hard Kill Challenge 2026, focusing on Group 1-3 small unmanned aerial systems. This initiative, led by U.S. Army Central Command and the U.S. Army Armaments Center, aims to evaluate innovative hard-kill solutions in realistic operational settings in Saudi Arabia and the continental United States. The Army seeks industry input to determine an acquisition strategy for addressing the growing threat posed by small drones.

The U.S. Air Force is acquiring Chimera small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) from Oak Grove Technologies for the 1st Special Operations Wing at Hurlburt Field, Florida, to meet urgent operational requirements. This procurement, justified as mission-critical, includes various supporting accessories and is based on a sole-source justification due to the exclusive rights held by Oak Grove Technologies. The acquisition aims to leverage existing expertise and training on the Chimera system.

The US Army and US Marine Corps have procured 22,000 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) by mid-2025, while France plans to acquire 2,000 Serval vehicles by 2035. Germany's Dingo vehicles, in service since 2000, total 1,200 units. The Turkish Vuran has been exported to seven countries since 2019. In May 2025, the US Army announced a halt to JLTV procurement, shifting focus to lighter vehicles.

The B-1B Lancer remains a vital component of the U.S. Air Force, undergoing modernization to enhance its capabilities against advanced air defenses. It is capable of launching standoff munitions from significant distances, ensuring its relevance in modern warfare. The aircraft is stationed at various bases, including Dyess Air Force Base and Guam, and continues to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations.

The 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, is training soldiers to operate over 150 small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) as part of an effort to integrate drones into tank formations. This initiative includes developing a qualification course for all soldiers, moving away from a select group of dedicated UAS operators. The division is focusing on UAS classified in groups 1 and 2, emphasizing a hunter-killer format for operations.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, which features a hybrid diesel-electric drive aimed at reducing its thermal and acoustic signatures. This new model is designed for silent operations and improved tactical versatility in urban and forested environments. The M1E3 is not officially labeled as a 'stealth tank' but incorporates advanced technologies for signature management, reflecting modern warfare needs.

Deliveries of C-130J aircraft to the US Air Force have been paused due to a technical issue with a communications upgrade. The problem, identified during testing, involves component incompatibility. No aircraft were delivered in the fourth quarter of 2025, and only two were delivered throughout the year. The Air Force has received funding for six new aircraft for the Air National Guard in the fiscal 2026 budget.

A Louisiana National Guardsman misplaced an M4 rifle in a hotel bathroom in New Orleans on Sunday. The rifle was subsequently returned to the Louisiana National Guard, and the soldier is undergoing retraining while the incident is reviewed. Approximately 350 National Guard troops are currently deployed in New Orleans for New Year’s celebrations.

The U.S. Navy is procuring 5,000 new helmets designed to alleviate neck and back pain for aviators, with deliveries expected between July and September 2023. The Next Generation Fixed Wing Helmet, weighing 2.78 pounds, is intended to replace the heavier HGU-68/P helmet. A $22.6 million contract has been awarded for this procurement, with initial distributions planned for E-2D Hawkeye crews.

L3Harris demonstrated the integration of its Red Wolf missile system with the Sky Warden aircraft on February 9, 2026, in the United States. This integration enhances the aircraft's capabilities for close air support and precision strikes, allowing for rapid reconfiguration to meet mission needs. The Red Wolf missile is designed for long-range precision strikes and can be deployed from various platforms, with over 40 test flights conducted to validate its performance.

BAE Systems has been awarded contracts valued at $137 million to deliver AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems to allied countries. This contract is part of the U.S. Army's efforts to enhance missile warning capabilities for its allies.

Teledyne FLIR OEM launched the Neutrino SX8 ISR 50-1000 model in Goleta, California, designed for long-range intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The system features advanced capabilities with the longest detection ranges in its series, supporting applications such as border surveillance and counter-UAS operations. It incorporates a high-resolution thermal sensor and is ready for integration with AI technologies.

Israel is enhancing its air defense capabilities by procuring Iron Beam systems to counter UAV threats, with operational capability expected by December 2025. The UAE is acquiring multi-layered counter UAV systems from Edge Group, while Qatar has secured a USD 1 billion contract for the FS-LIDS system from the US. Additionally, a Middle Eastern nation has contracted MBDA for the Sky Warden C-UAV system, and Saudi Arabia is evaluating Rheinmetall's Skyranger 30 system.

The U.S. Army trained with C100 drones at Fort Stewart, Georgia, on February 2, 2026, to enhance infantry support capabilities. This training is part of a broader initiative under the Pentagon's $1.1 billion Drone Dominance Program, which aims to deploy 340,000 autonomous drones by 2027. The C100 drone is designed for delivering munitions and conducting reconnaissance, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Starfish Space secured a $54.5 million contract to deliver a second Otter satellite-servicing craft to the U.S. Space Force, aimed at enhancing operations in geosynchronous Earth orbit. This contract, announced on February 7, 2024, follows a previous contract for the first Otter vehicle, which is scheduled for launch in 2024. The Space Force has identified specific satellites for servicing, although details remain classified.

The U.S. Air Force requires at least 500 next-generation fighters and bombers to effectively counter China, according to the Mitchell Institute. The report emphasizes the need for 300 F-47 fighters and 200 B-21 bombers, surpassing current procurement plans. Experts warn that without a sufficient combat fleet, the U.S. risks falling into attrition warfare similar to past conflicts. The Air Force is also advised to maintain legacy bombers until new models are operational and to increase procurement of existing fighter jets.

The U.S. Air Force requires the procurement of at least 500 next-generation fighters and bombers to effectively counter China. The Mitchell Institute recommends acquiring 300 F-47 fighters and 200 B-21 bombers, emphasizing the need to maintain legacy bombers until new models are operational. Experts warn that without a sufficient combat fleet, the U.S. risks falling into a prolonged conflict similar to past wars.

The B-21 Raider bomber is set to enter operational service in Palmdale, California, between 2026 and 2027, enhancing stealth capabilities and reducing maintenance demands. This new aircraft promises to revolutionize U.S. Air Force operations with its advanced materials and design, addressing the sustainability issues faced by earlier stealth platforms like the B-2 Spirit. The B-21 Raider represents a significant leap in military aviation technology, allowing for more effective airpower deployment.

Northrop Corporation developed the F-20 Tigershark as a high-tech interceptor in the 1980s, but the program was canceled in 1986 after two prototypes were lost to G-LOC accidents. Despite its advanced features and capabilities, the F-20 failed to secure international sales, as allied nations opted for the F-16 instead. The aircraft was notable for its speed, agility, and innovative design, including a digital cockpit.