Analysis & Reports

USS Cooperstown returned to Naval Station Mayport on August 31, 2026, after a four-month deployment. The Littoral Combat Ship program has been criticized for cost overruns, reliability issues, and a lack of effective combat capability, leading to a gradual retirement of the class. The U.S. Navy is adjusting its expectations and roles for the LCS amid changing maritime threats.

The U.S. Air Force operates 183 F-22 Raptors and over 800 F-35s, while China has around 500 J-20s and 60 J-35s, with production rates of 120 J-20s annually. The J-20's combat range of 1,200 miles exceeds that of the F-22, which has a range of 530 miles. The report highlights the growing challenge posed by China's mass production capabilities to U.S. air dominance.

Lockheed Martin proposed the F-16G fighter to the U.S. Air Force to meet increasing demands for aircraft due to an aging fleet and global threats. The Air Force aims to expand its fighter inventory from 1,098 to 1,558 by Fiscal Year 2035. The F-16G would utilize the existing Block 70 production line and incorporate advanced systems to enhance capabilities. Lockheed's Greenville facility is prepared to expand production to accommodate this new order.

The U.S. Defense Department and Lockheed Martin signed a framework agreement to expand production of the AIM-260 missile at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This agreement lays the groundwork for a future multiyear buy of the missile, which is designed to enhance air dominance capabilities. Australia has committed to purchasing the AIM-260 for its Royal Australian Air Force, marking its first export customer.

HMS Duncan began a major refit in Portsmouth on September 6, 2023, as part of the Royal Navy's Power Improvement Project to resolve ongoing propulsion issues with the Type 45 destroyers. This project aims to replace the original diesel generators with more powerful units, enhancing the operational reliability of the fleet. Three Type 45s have already completed their upgrades, with full completion expected by 2028.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement to ramp up production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) in Washington. This agreement aims to support future multi-year procurement and boost foreign military sales. The JATM is designed to succeed the AMRAAM and has enhanced capabilities, with Australia announced as its first international customer.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $200 million contract to defense startup Castelion for the production of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, enhancing carrier-based strike capabilities. This missile, designed for aircraft like the F-35 and F/A-18, has a range of 200 nautical miles and aims to fill a gap in the Navy's weapons systems. The contract is part of a broader effort to adapt acquisition processes to meet military needs more rapidly.

The Pentagon is testing new technologies along the US-Mexico border, including high-energy lasers, unmanned boats, and drones. Plans for next year include expanding these efforts with more autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities, as reported by Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Ditlevson.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to procure a 737 MAX aircraft to enhance its executive airlift capabilities, as authorized by the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This marks the first military purchase of the 737 MAX, which is intended to supplement the existing C-40 and C-32 aircraft used for transporting top officials. The procurement details, including cost and delivery timeline, remain unspecified.

BAE Systems received $16 million in Defense Production Act funding to qualify its RH45 technology for radiation-hardened space missions. This technology, manufactured using 45nm silicon-on-insulator technology, is crucial for military and commercial applications in challenging space environments. The work is conducted at BAE Systems' facility in Manassas, Virginia, which is recognized as a trusted source for microelectronics by the U.S. Department of War.

The Department of War signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin on September 17, 2026, to expand production capacity for the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. This agreement aims to ensure long-term demand signals for key suppliers and supports the Department's Acquisition Transformation Strategy. It reflects collaboration among various military organizations and establishes a framework for future Multi-Year Procurement of the missile system.

The USS John F. Kennedy is nearing completion, having completed acceptance trials on August 15, 2023, and is expected to be delivered in spring 2027. The carrier is 98% complete and will feature advanced weapon systems, including the F-35C Lightning II capabilities. However, the project is running approximately four and a half years behind schedule due to various modifications and technological delays.

Team Wolf unveiled Timber Wolf and Silver Wolf as new tactical mobility solutions at an event in Millbrook. This addition expands their range of tactical mobility offerings, highlighting advancements in military equipment.

The 142nd Wing of the Air National Guard successfully dropped live bombs from the F-15EX Eagle II at Nellis Air Force Base for the first time, marking a significant operational milestone. This transition from the F-15C/D to the F-15EX involves extensive training and certification for pilots and weapons loaders. The Air Force aims to expand its F-15EX fleet from 129 to 267 jets, enhancing its multi-role capabilities.

DroneShield completed the installation and acceptance of the DroneSentry-X Mk2 in Warrenton on 16 September 2026. This installation is part of the U.S. JIATF-401 program, aimed at enhancing counter-drone capabilities.

Roshel has unveiled a new version of the Admiral MRAP armored vehicle in Canada, distinct from its previous models. The vehicle features a V-shaped hull for mine resistance and can accommodate up to 11 personnel. Roshel has been a significant supplier of armored vehicles to Ukraine and is expanding its operations internationally, including contracts with U.S. agencies and a bid for a major Canadian government contract.

Lockheed Martin is proposing the F-16G fighter to the U.S. Air Force to replace aging F-16s more quickly than the F-35 production can accommodate. The F-16G features enhancements for range and sensor capabilities. The Air Force aims to increase its fighter inventory significantly by fiscal 2035, addressing a capacity gap identified in a recent study. Discussions regarding the F-16G are anticipated at an upcoming Corona conference.

Lockheed Martin is proposing the F-16G fighter to the U.S. Air Force as a faster replacement for aging F-16s. The F-16G features enhancements such as conformal fuel tanks and advanced targeting systems. The U.S. Air Force is looking to increase its fighter inventory from 1,098 to 1,558 aircraft by 2035, amid concerns over capacity gaps in its fleet.

The Missile Defense Agency is developing a new mobile radar system, Forward Based Mode Radar Next, to enhance missile tracking capabilities. This system is designed to be rapidly deployable via C-17 aircraft and aims to provide early warning against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The agency emphasizes the need for cost-effective production and low detection signatures for operational effectiveness.

The U.S. Navy has ordered 12 production kits of the High Frequency Over-the-Horizon Communication system (HFORCE) from MaXentric Technologies for $9.6 million. This new long-range radio system is designed to ensure communication capabilities when satellite links are compromised. The project is set to be completed by March 2028, with work being conducted in New Jersey and California.