Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
U.S. drone maker AEVEX picks up another kamikaze drone deal
AEVEX Corp. won $20.5 million in U.S. government contracts to develop one-way attack drones, announced on September 9, 2026. These drones will support combat-ready units and training. This marks the third contract awarded to AEVEX for such systems in 2026, contributing to their significant share of the loitering munitions market.
Russia allocated 44 percent of its budget to war and is testing the limits of its military economy in 2026.
Russia allocated 44% of its federal budget to military needs in the first half of 2026, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. This allocation represents 10.5% of GDP and 57.3% of federal revenues, indicating a shift in economic priorities towards defense. The report highlights concerns over the sustainability of such spending amid declining energy revenues and the implications for the civilian economy.
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HENSOLDT gets development contract for the Optarion mission support system
HENSOLDT signed a development contract for the Optarion mission support system. The customer for this contract is the Federal Office, indicating a focus on enhancing military support capabilities.
These are the military’s combat arms jobs that have a new fitness test
The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. The changes aim to establish sex-neutral standards and may impact personnel who fail to meet the new requirements.
These are the combat arms jobs that have a new fitness test
The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. Troops in these roles will also face different standards on regular fitness tests, emphasizing sex-neutral requirements.
These are the combat arms jobs that have a new fitness test
The U.S. Department of Defense implemented new combat field fitness tests for over 80 military occupations designated as combat arms, effective August 31, 2023. This includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, who must now meet specific fitness standards set by their respective branches. The Army's test consists of seven events, and failure to meet these standards may result in administrative actions, including potential separation from service.
U.S. Military Denies Its Naval Vessels Were Attacked by Iran
U.S. Central Command denied Iranian claims of attacks on U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf on September 9. In response to U.S. actions against Iranian tankers, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted two U.S. Navy ships and eight tankers. U.S. forces reported the destruction of 10 Iranian tankers linked to the Revolutionary Guard's funding network.
“We Had Raptor Salad for Lunch.” German Eurofighter Typhoon Pilots Said That After Beating US Air Force F-22 Raptors at Red Flag 2012, Then Painted Raptor Kill Decals on Their Fuselages.
German pilots from the Luftwaffe scored simulated kills against US Air Force F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2012. They deployed 8 Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel, achieving notable success while the F-22s were hampered by external fuel tanks. Following the exercise, the German pilots commemorated their victories by painting kill decals on their aircraft.
Chinese Researchers Ran the US Air Force B-21 Raider Stealth Bomber Through Their Own Simulation Software Using Nothing but Public Photographs, and Say They Found Aerodynamic Flaws in It.
Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre analyzed the B-21 Raider's aerodynamic characteristics using public imagery and the PADJ-X simulation software. They claimed to identify potential weaknesses in the bomber's design, suggesting that small configuration changes could improve performance. However, the findings are theoretical and should be viewed with skepticism due to the lack of classified data.
Taiwan's $4.6 Billion Defense Add-On Tests US Deterrence in 2026
Taiwan proposed an additional $4.6 billion in defense spending for 2026 to enhance military readiness amid rising tensions with China. The head of the American Institute in Taiwan warned that a conflict would be disastrous, emphasizing the need for Taiwan to demonstrate its capability to deter a quick victory by the People's Liberation Army. The funding aims to improve Taiwan's military inventory, including F-16V fighters and air-defense systems, while also addressing cyber threats.
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A Canadian Oberon-Class Diesel Submarine Built in the 1960s and Worth About $80,000,000 Slipped Past an Entire US Navy Carrier Group. The Umpire Declared the $5,500,000,000 Nuclear Aircraft Carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Sunk.
In 1981, a Canadian Oberon-class submarine successfully simulated a torpedo attack on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower during a NATO exercise in the Atlantic Ocean. The exercise showcased the submarine's stealth capabilities, leading the U.S. Navy umpire to declare the carrier 'sunk'. This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of U.S. anti-submarine warfare tactics against conventional submarines.
Iran's Foreign Ministry Condemns US Military for Harassing Multiple Iranian Oil Tankers and Merchant Ships
Iran condemned U.S. military harassment of its tankers and merchant ships in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman on September 8, 2023. In response, Iranian armed forces conducted defensive strikes against U.S. military bases in Jordan. The Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized the violation of international law by the U.S. and called for action from the UN Security Council regarding U.S. aggression.
Russia’s military spending hits a record 44% of its budget
Russia's military spending reached a record 44% of its federal budget in the first half of 2026, totaling 10.7 trillion rubles ($125 billion). This marks a 30% increase from the previous year, largely driven by classified spending. The military's share of the budget has risen significantly since the invasion of Ukraine, with classified expenditures making up a substantial portion of military needs. Oil and gas revenue has declined, further straining the budget.
NATO's Ukraine Aid Delays Are Becoming Russia's Best Weapon in 2026
NATO has allocated over $10 billion in military aid to Ukraine, but delays in delivery are compromising Ukraine's defense against Russian attacks. Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that these delays cost lives, as Ukraine struggles to maintain air defense capabilities. The U.S. has warned allies to prepare for a prolonged conflict, highlighting the need for timely support to counter Russian aggression.
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EU approves 3.2 billion euros for 1,000 Patriot missiles and deepens Europe's dependence on the USA
The European Union approved 3.2 billion euros for 1,000 Patriot missiles to support Ukraine, with funding sourced from a European loan mechanism. This decision, made on September 8-9, 2026, underscores Europe's reliance on U.S. defense capabilities, as the EU lacks the capacity to produce such systems independently. The Ukrainian Defense Minister confirmed contracts for these missiles with partner nations, while the UK contributed an additional 100 million pounds for air defense.
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Born to replace the Defender, the Grenadier now eyes military duty
INEOS Automotive, with Hobson Industries and TVS Supply Chain Solutions, is competing to replace the British Army's aging vehicles with the Grenadier in the Light Mobility Vehicle program. The Enhanced Protection Vehicle, an armored variant, will be showcased at the DVD2026 defense vehicle exhibition on September 16-17, 2026. This initiative aims to replace older models like the Pinzgauer and Land Rover 90 and 110 Wolf.
What to know about Europe’s next-gen fighter programs
The collapse of the Franco-German-Spanish FCAS program has left Europe with only one sixth-generation manned aircraft in development. The British-Italian-Japanese GCAP program is being considered as a future option, while older aircraft like the F-35 are also under review for upgrades. Sweden's Saab may join the competition, and there is a continued effort to enhance Europe's domestic military aircraft production.
Poland orders Turkish surveillance systems for its scout vehicles
ASELSAN signed a contract to supply Poland with 24 ARSUS reconnaissance and surveillance systems at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce. Deliveries are planned for 2028 and 2029, as part of a broader agreement that includes future collaborations. This deal follows a previous electronic warfare contract and signifies deepening military cooperation between ASELSAN and the Polish Armed Forces.
German UGV maker ARX expands into Poland’s defense market
ARX Robotics announced its expansion into Poland's defense market on September 9, 2023, planning to invest tens of millions of euros. The company aims to establish a legal entity, headquarters, and training facilities, creating skilled jobs by the decade's end. This move was revealed at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, highlighting Poland's strategic importance in European security.
Italy orders two more MQ-9A Block 5 REAPERS®
The Italian Air Force ordered two MQ-9A Block 5 Reapers from General Atomics on 08 September 2026, with delivery expected by the end of 2027. This acquisition is part of a Foreign Military Sale with the U.S. Air Force, enhancing Italy's military capabilities in ISR missions.
