Analysis & Reports

Saildrone signed an agreement with Norwegian shipbuilder Umoe Mandal to produce unmanned surface vessels, with parts built in Norway. This collaboration aims to enhance maritime domain awareness in critical areas such as the Baltic and North Seas. Umoe Mandal is establishing a new manufacturing site to meet anticipated demand for these vessels, which will be operated under frameworks like NORDEFCO for maritime intelligence.

Shield AI is acquiring Echodyne, a counter-drone radar provider, for $5.3 billion, with the deal expected to close in early 2027. This acquisition will enhance Shield's capabilities in the counter-drone industry and diversify its revenue streams. Echodyne's radar systems are utilized by defense and government clients in more than 40 countries, and it will operate as a unit within Shield's mission systems.

The U.S. Army and German Army collaborated on the MBT-70 tank from 1963 to 1971, but the project failed due to design disagreements and escalating costs. The program's budget increased from $80 million to over $303 million, leading both nations to independently develop the M1 Abrams and Leopard II tanks. The failure highlighted the need for standardization within NATO.

The Russian Navy accepted the final Improved Kilo-II-class submarine, Yakutsk, into service with the Pacific Fleet in June 2025. These submarines displace 3,950 tons submerged and can dive to 980 feet, equipped with 18 torpedoes or four Kalibr cruise missiles. They have been actively used in military operations, including attacks against Islamic State targets in Syria and Ukraine.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards the Medina region on the 5th. This action was confirmed by coalition spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki, with no immediate response from the Houthi side.

The U.S. Air Force is conducting market research for a new electromagnetic battle management capability named DAF-MAMBA at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The notice, posted on Nov. 4, 2023, seeks information on technologies to enhance situational awareness and command control in the electromagnetic spectrum, with responses due by Nov. 11, 2023. This initiative is part of the broader Advanced Battle Management System effort.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking contractors to produce over 1,000 Extended Range Attack Munitions, with deliveries starting within three months and completing within 15 months. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's military capabilities, specifically for its F-16 aircraft. Bidders must meet specific integration requirements and demonstrate the ability to produce these missiles at a rate of over 80 per month.

Boeing received a $119.7 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy on Nov. 4, 2023, to procure nine Increment 3 Block 2 retrofit kits for P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with seven kits for the U.S. Navy and two for the Royal Australian Air Force. The majority of the work will be completed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to finish by May 2030. This upgrade significantly enhances the aircraft's anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The U.S. military is experiencing a crisis in its weapon supply chains due to heavy reliance on imported strategic minerals and structural issues within the defense industry. Recent reports indicate that over 241 forging facilities have closed in the past 20 years, leading to significant delays in the production of critical military equipment. The Virginia-class submarines and F-35 fighters are particularly affected, highlighting vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

The Pentagon is increasing ammunition production at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia due to depleted stockpiles from the Iran War, raising environmental and safety concerns. The plant has a history of violating environmental regulations, and advocates warn that the push for more ammunition could exacerbate pollution and health risks for nearby communities. U.S. inventories of critical munitions, including Patriot missiles, have significantly declined during the conflict.

The US Navy maintains a fleet of 68-71 nuclear submarines, opting against the construction of diesel or AIP submarines due to their limitations in speed and endurance. Nuclear submarines can reach strategic locations like the South China Sea from San Diego in 12-15 days, providing a significant operational advantage. The choice reflects broader strategic, practical, and logistical considerations favoring nuclear power for global naval operations.

Saronic launched its second Marauder autonomous ship in Franklin, Louisiana, on November 3. The new vessel, designed for autonomous operation, took 8% fewer labor hours to build than the first. The company aims to produce 20 Marauders annually by the end of 2026 and is collaborating with NVIDIA on the ship's autonomy software.

The U.S. Air Force has conducted at least 16 C-17 missions to Ovda Air Base in Israel since mid-October, with additional flights to Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. These missions are likely transporting air defense systems, including Patriot and THAAD systems, as part of ongoing military logistics in the region. The Pentagon has not confirmed the cargo details, but flight data indicates a significant military presence and ongoing operations.

U.S. Army soldiers conducted training with the Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) on November 2 near Fort Hancock, Texas, as part of counter-drone operations against cartel-linked drones. The 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division operated the system mounted on an Infantry Squad Vehicle. The AMP-HEL has been effective in downing drones, with a reported 15 takedowns in a recent 30-day period.

Joint Task Force-Southern Border tested the upgraded Bumblebee Version 2 interceptor drones near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21. The drones are designed to disable hostile drones by ramming them, enhancing border security under Operation Ardent Vanguard. The military reported significant drone activity in the area, primarily related to reconnaissance for human trafficking.

U.S. Army soldiers tested the Anduril-built Heimdal Mobile Trailer Kit near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21, 2025, as part of efforts to intercept illegal drone flights at the southern border. The system integrates radar and thermal cameras to enhance drone detection capabilities. In the preceding month, the Joint Task Force-Southern Border recorded significant drone activity, including 378 detections and one captured drone.

DARPA is launching the FLASH program to develop diverse military systems capable of resisting cyber attacks. The initiative, announced on November 3, 2026, seeks to create multiple versions of military systems that maintain the same operational capabilities while differing in design to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited. Responses to the request for information are due by November 30, 2026, as DARPA aims to enhance the resilience of cyber-physical systems.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $38.2 million sole-source task order to Oceaneering International for the continued development of TETRA II, a submarine system designed for launching and recovering unmanned underwater vehicles. This contract, signed on Sept. 2 and announced on Nov. 3, supports the integration of the TETRA system into operational submarines. The program has been ongoing since 2019 and involves various aspects of engineering and logistics.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is modernizing its fleet of C-130H aircraft through a contract with L3Harris, which will upgrade 11 of the 15 aircraft starting in 2025. Maintenance Aero Maroc has completed the overhaul of one C-130H at Bensliman air base, with aspirations to overhaul the entire fleet by 2029. The first upgraded aircraft is expected to return to Morocco by the end of 2027.

The Russian Navy's Akula-class submarines were developed to track and potentially engage US Ohio-class submarines during the Cold War. Only 15 of the planned 25 were completed, with advanced technology like the SOKS wake detection system enhancing their stealth capabilities. Notably, an Akula-class submarine reportedly tracked an Ohio-class submarine in 1996, highlighting its operational effectiveness. Today, 3-4 Akula-class submarines remain in service.