Analysis & Reports

The UK announced a £150 billion increase in defense spending, focusing on unmanned systems and nuclear deterrence upgrades. The plan includes £50 billion for R&D of unmanned systems and £636 billion for nuclear capabilities. The UK Armed Forces will transition to a mixed naval fleet and enhance their capabilities with new technologies, including drones and armored vehicles.

Firefighters at Hill Air Force Base demonstrated the capabilities of the Polaris DAGOR, an off-road firefighting vehicle, during a live-fire training exercise in June. The vehicle, equipped with the Ward Mobile Airfield Rescue Kit, allows for rapid response to aircraft mishaps and wildland fires in rugged terrain. This new equipment enhances operational readiness for the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, ensuring effective emergency response in challenging environments.

The Polish Army officially received the first 100 meters of the New Generation PFM motorized floating bridges during a ceremony at the Deblin Military Unit on June 11, 2023. A second 100-meter section was delivered to the Chelmno Military Unit. This marks a significant milestone in the partnership between the Polish Armed Forces and CNIM Systèmes Industriels, which includes a future contract for an additional 700 meters of bridges.

Canada announced the selection of Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build a new fleet of up to 12 Type 212CD submarines at Canadian Forces Base Halifax. This decision marks the largest defense procurement in Canadian history, aimed at replacing the aging Victoria-class submarines. The new submarines will enhance Canada's underwater surveillance capabilities and are designed for stealth operations under the Arctic ice.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted live-fire exercises with Type 05 amphibious armored vehicles in the Taiwan Strait on June 25, 2023. The exercises focused on live-fire capabilities while in motion on water, highlighting the PLA's emphasis on integrating firepower and logistics for amphibious assaults. Western nations have expressed concerns regarding Chinese naval activities in the region, indicating heightened military scrutiny.

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NATO is negotiating to acquire up to ten GlobalEye surveillance aircraft from Saab, which will replace the aging E-3A Sentry AWACS fleet. This decision, announced by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Ankara, Turkey, marks a significant shift in defense procurement, moving away from American-made aircraft for the first time since 1988. The GlobalEye is expected to enhance NATO's surveillance capabilities significantly.

NATO announced the joint procurement of up to 10 Saab GlobalEye AWACS aircraft to replace aging E-3 Sentry planes, with operations expected to begin by 2027 from Swedish bases. This decision follows the cancellation of a previous plan to acquire Boeing E-7A Wedgetail aircraft. Saab is increasing production capacity to meet NATO's operational targets, with the first units anticipated by 2030.

NATO announced the joint procurement of up to 10 Saab GlobalEye aircraft in Ankara, Turkey, to replace the aging E-3 Sentry surveillance planes. This decision, made by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, is part of the Allied Future Surveillance and Control project, with the GlobalEyes expected to be operational from Swedish bases by 2027.

Iran launched at least two missiles at two commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026, causing significant damage without casualties. Concurrently, an unknown projectile struck a tanker near Oman, igniting a fire. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard warned vessels against using certain maritime routes, indicating a strategic assertion of control over the area.

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The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force deployed Type 25 anti-ship guided missiles and HVGPs at Kengun and Fuji bases on March 31. This deployment enhances Japan's military capabilities with a missile range extended to approximately 1000 kilometers, reflecting a shift in defense strategy. The Type 25 system is designed for modern naval warfare, indicating a significant evolution in Japan's deterrence posture.

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Canada selected TKMS to build 12 new submarines, with the announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 6, 2023, in Victoria, British Columbia. The project, estimated to cost up to $70 billion, aims to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy, with the first delivery expected in 2033. Negotiations with TKMS will commence soon, and a contract is anticipated by the end of the year.

Niewiadów Polska Grupa Militarna (NPGM) is developing a 40 mm ammunition production facility in Niewiadów, Poland, with a target annual capacity of 480,000 rounds. The project, supported by a 30-year license from ST Engineering, aims to address NATO's ammunition supply needs and is scheduled for completion by April 2027. Additionally, ZSP Niewiadów plans to resume production of anti-personnel mines by Q3 2026.

On July 6, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as the preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, aiming to procure up to 12 modern submarines. This initiative is part of Canada's largest defense procurement project in history, intended to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines. The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, with contract negotiations to be finalized by the end of 2027.

On July 7, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a training missile launch from a nuclear submarine in the West Pacific at 12:01 PM. The missile successfully landed in a designated area, marking the first known submarine-launched missile test by China since 1982. The Chinese government characterized the event as a routine military training exercise, emphasizing compliance with international law.

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Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired at least two missiles at commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz on July 6, causing severe damage to the vessels. No casualties were reported from the incident.

Canada has selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier for its next-generation submarine fleet, with negotiations set to begin. This procurement is expected to be the largest in Canadian history, with plans to reserve costs for 12 submarines in the federal budget. The contract is anticipated to be signed by the end of 2027, and the first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034.

The Soviet Navy developed the Kirov class, a 28,000-ton nuclear battlecruiser, originally intended as an 8,000-ton submarine hunter, during the 1960s to 1990s. This evolution was driven by changing military needs and the influence of Admiral Sergey Gorshkov. The Kirov class became the largest surface warship built since World War II, incorporating advanced anti-ship and air-defense capabilities.

China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber, which has faced delays since its announcement in 2016, with production timelines pushed to the 2030s. The Chinese military relies on land-based missiles for its strategic needs, making the urgency for the H-20 less critical. The bomber could enhance China's nuclear capabilities and provide flexibility in military operations, but its development is not prioritized over existing missile systems.

Thales announced its acquisition of a controlling stake in Exail Technologies, a French maritime drone maker, as part of its expansion in undersea warfare. Concurrently, Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilder, revealed plans to acquire four underwater technology firms for about €600 million. These strategic moves aim to enhance capabilities in the underwater domain and strengthen technological sovereignty in Europe.

Canada has selected Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build a new fleet of up to a dozen Type 212CD submarines, replacing the aging Victoria-class submarines. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision in Halifax, Nova Scotia, stating it would be the largest defense procurement in Canadian history. The contract is estimated to be worth between $20 billion and $30 billion, with the first four submarines expected to be delivered by 2034.