Analysis & Reports

The US Air Force plans to replace its F-22 Raptors with 185 F-47s by the mid-2030s, following a significant reduction in F-22 production from an initial 750 to just 187 units. This shift comes as China has already deployed 6th-generation fighters, prompting the US to reassess its air superiority strategy. The F-22 production line was closed in 2012, and the focus has now shifted to the more versatile F-35.

The Army is developing new logistical systems to supply power to mechanized infantry units, particularly the 509th Infantry Regiment at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in 2026. Soldiers are increasingly reliant on smartphones for communication, necessitating effective power solutions. Current vehicles like the M2 Bradley lack adequate charging capabilities, prompting innovative battery rotation systems to maintain operational readiness.

Heaviside launched the Tyr loitering munition, a new drone weapon system, with development primarily taking place in Norway. The drone, which weighs around 15 pounds, is designed to autonomously hunt and engage targets while requiring human oversight for final attack authorization. Heaviside has partnered with Norwegian defense firm Nammo for anti-tank warheads and testing facilities.

U.S. Army helicopter pilots from the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade tested the Advanced Inflight Relief Universal System (AIRUS) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, from October 5 to 7, 2023. The system is designed to allow pilots to relieve themselves in flight, addressing hydration challenges during prolonged missions. The testing involved multiple battalions and assessed the system's airworthiness for use in Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook helicopters, aiming to enhance pilot performance and readiness for future operations.

The U.S. Army received its first Mobile Tactical Cannon, a wheeled 155 mm howitzer, from Hanwha Defense USA on October 8, 2023. The cannon is intended to replace the towed M777 howitzer and will undergo testing with soldiers. The contract includes six prototypes, with options for twelve more, and aims to enhance artillery capabilities with a range exceeding 60 km. Hanwha is establishing a test site in Opelika, Alabama.

X-Bow Systems was selected by Leidos to develop booster motors for the U.S. Army's Low-Cost Containerized Munition, announced on Oct. 12, 2023, in Washington. The agreement includes an initial order of 3,000 missiles, with plans for 10,000 over three years. Production is set to begin in 2027, addressing a bottleneck in U.S. missile production.

The U.S. Army received its first Korean-made Mobile Tactical Cannon from Hanwha Defense USA for testing and evaluation in Opelika, Alabama. This new 155mm self-propelled howitzer is intended to replace the legacy M777 howitzers. The contract, valued at up to $263 million, covers the procurement of up to 18 systems, with operational testing planned to ensure reliability in combat conditions. The Army aims to have a ready version by 2031.

Vector and Nammo expanded their partnership to integrate munitions into small drones for U.S. military use. The collaboration aims to produce drones that can deliver a variety of payloads, reflecting the evolving needs of warfighters. Vector's drone is included on the Defense Department's Blue List, indicating its approval for military applications.

Heaviside Industries unveiled the Tyr, a miniaturised fixed-wing loitering munition, at AUSA 2026 in Washington D.C. The Tyr can carry four types of warheads and strike targets at a range of 40 km, featuring advanced navigation and automatic target recognition systems. The company is in low rate initial production and has partnered with Nammo for warhead development.

Anduril unveiled the Steelfin interceptor in Washington, aiming to provide a cost-effective alternative to the PAC-3 missile system. The modular design allows it to be launched from various platforms and tailored to counter different threats. Production is expected to reach full rate by late 2028 or early 2029, with targets of multiple thousands to hundreds of thousands of units per year. The company is competing for the Army's low-cost interceptor program.

In October 1997, the U.S. purchased 21 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighters and 500 air-to-air missiles from Moldova to prevent Iran from acquiring advanced military capabilities. The aircraft were transported to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for intelligence analysis. This acquisition was part of the Nunn-Lugar program aimed at reducing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

HMS Prince of Wales experienced a coupling failure on her starboard propeller shaft two days after departing Portsmouth on August 27, 2022, leading to mission cancellation and a £25 million repair bill. The ship remained in dry dock until July 21, 2023, due to misalignment issues identified during construction. Following repairs, she successfully completed a deployment to the Indo-Pacific in 2025, demonstrating restored operational capability.

The U.S. Navy canceled the Naval Advanced Tactical Fighter (NATF) program in 1992 due to budget constraints and technical challenges, opting for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as a replacement for the F-14 Tomcat. The NATF was estimated to cost $66.1 billion for 618 aircraft, but no prototype was ever built. The Super Hornet entered service in 1999, fulfilling the Navy's need for a carrier-based fighter.

The U.S. Army developed and tested two prototypes of the RAH-66 Comanche helicopter from 1996 to 2004, investing $6.9 billion. The program was ultimately canceled due to significant cost overruns and a shift in military priorities, leading to the redirection of funds towards acquiring 796 new aircraft. Both prototypes are currently preserved at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum in Fort Novosel, Alabama.

Israel Aerospace Industries showcased the POINT@AIR radar system at the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington this week. The system is designed to provide ground forces with enhanced detection capabilities for low-flying drones and other aerial targets. POINT@AIR utilizes a tethered balloon to elevate the radar, allowing for improved situational awareness without the need for fixed infrastructure.

On July 28, 1976, the U.S. Air Force's SR-71 Blackbird set a speed record of 2,193.2 mph (Mach 3.3) during military operations. The aircraft remains the fastest air-breathing, crewed aircraft ever built, with unofficial reports suggesting it reached Mach 3.43. Additionally, the A-12 Oxcart variant achieved a brief speed of Mach 3.56 during testing. The MiG-25 Foxbat and F-15EX Eagle II are noted for their lower maximum speeds in comparison.

On January 25, 1966, the US Air Force's SR-71 Blackbird disintegrated at Mach 3.18 during a test flight in New Mexico. Pilot Bill Weaver was thrown clear of the aircraft, while co-pilot Jim Zwayer died in the incident. Weaver's survival was aided by his pressure suit, which absorbed forces during the breakup.

The U.S. Army activated the 4th Multi-Domain Task Force at Fort Carson, Colorado, on October 8, 2023, comprising 2,100 soldiers. This task force focuses on coordinating cyber warfare and long-range missile capabilities in support of Army operations, particularly in the Pacific theater. It will report to the 7th Infantry Division Multi-Domain Command – Pacific, with plans for a fifth task force to be established by 2028.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge missile interceptor designed to counter hypersonic threats in the United States. The U.S. Army awarded a contract worth up to $58.6 billion to increase production capacity to 2,000 units annually. The new interceptor features advanced technology, including a new seeker and upgraded flight controls, enhancing its capabilities against emerging aerial threats.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird operated at speeds of Mach 3.2 and altitudes of 80,000 feet, experiencing thermal expansion that caused its fuselage to grow by 3 to 4 inches during flight. Built by Lockheed Skunk Works, the aircraft utilized titanium alloy and JP-7 fuel for cooling, achieving a record speed of 2,193.167 mph. Its design included features to manage extreme heat and maintain structural integrity during prolonged high-speed operations.