Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, with a new manufacturing facility under construction in Palmdale, California. Flight testing began in November 2023, and the Air Force aims for operational readiness by 2027. Plans include procuring at least 100 B-21 Raiders, with potential for increased production capacity to meet future demands.

The U.S. Navy announced plans to redesign the AN/AYK-22 Stores Management Processor for its F/A-18 and EA-18G fleet due to the obsolescence of key components. Boeing will be tasked with developing replacement parts under an existing agreement. The Navy is also exploring other companies' capabilities to assist in this effort, with a deadline for submissions set for Oct. 28, 2023.

The U.S. Navy is seeking industry feedback on a future contract for its Gun Weapon Systems program, posted on Oct. 9, with responses due by Oct. 29. This program focuses on the engineering of naval guns, including the Mk 45 5-inch gun, which has been utilized for air defense in recent operations. The Navy plans to use the feedback to shape its acquisition strategy for these weapon systems.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $34.6 million contract to Ophir Corp. for the repair of the B-2 Pilot Alert System, which warns crews of contrail formation. The contract, announced on October 9, 2023, will support the system until October 2036 and is part of ongoing upgrades for the B-2 fleet, which operates from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri.

Northrop Grumman and the United States Air Force announced a major expansion of B-21 Raider production at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, on September 29, 2026. The Air Force plans to procure 100 B-21 Raiders, although it estimates a need for 300 units. The first B-21 made its inaugural flight in November 2023, and the expansion includes a $1 billion construction effort at Ellsworth Air Force Base to support the new aircraft's operational capabilities.

F-16 Aggressor Squadrons employed swarm tactics against F-35 Lightning II fighters during the Red Flag 2017 exercise at Nellis Air Force Base, resulting in simulated kills against the stealth aircraft. Despite the F-35's impressive 20:1 kill ratio, the F-16s exploited its limited missile capacity and forced engagements into within-visual-range combat, demonstrating vulnerabilities in the F-35's design. This incident underscores the effectiveness of saturation tactics in modern air combat.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, powered by Pratt & Whitney J58 engines, was designed for high-speed reconnaissance, capable of cruising at Mach 3.2. The J58 engines operated at full afterburner for extended periods, with 80% of thrust generated from the inlet. Each aircraft consumed 8,000 gallons of fuel per hour, reaching exhaust temperatures of 3,400°F. A total of 32 SR-71s were built, emphasizing the importance of the engine design in achieving its operational capabilities.

The Pentagon signed a $6.3 billion contract with Raytheon for the production of Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors, which are designed to intercept ballistic missiles. This five-year contract includes two additional option years and aims to replenish U.S. missile defense inventories. The interceptors will be produced primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama.

The U.S. Coast Guard has ordered four MQ-9B drones for $247.8 million to enhance maritime operations, including search and rescue and drug trafficking countermeasures. This acquisition will expand the Coast Guard's operational reach and improve threat detection capabilities. The funding is part of the FY25 reconciliation package, which allocated nearly $25 billion to the service.

The Army's FUZE innovation hub in Washington is focusing on complex acquisition challenges for Fiscal Year 2027, aiming to accelerate technology deployment for military use. FUZE has been allocated $750 million in annual RDT&E funds and has held 16 xTech competitions to enhance capabilities in drones, electronic warfare, and energy resiliency. The organization seeks to engage acquisition officials earlier in the process to ensure successful procurement outcomes.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge missile in Washington, designed for the Army's Future Interceptor program. Testing is scheduled to begin in 2027, with deployment expected in 2031. The new interceptor aims to enhance capabilities against next-generation threats, with significant investments in its development and production facilities.

AEVEX Maritime Systems is enhancing its autonomous systems, including the LYNX reconnaissance platform, to support military operations in the United States. The company emphasizes the importance of affordability and resilience in response to evolving threats, drawing lessons from recent conflicts in Ukraine and Iran. Their focus on multi-domain capabilities aims to improve operational effectiveness and decision-making in dynamic battlefield environments.

Ideal Aerosmith debuted its new one-way attack drone, 'Troublemaker', in Washington on October 2, 2023. The company has built 26 units and is entering low-rate production at a rate of two drones per week. The drone features a 15-foot wingspan, a range of over 750 nautical miles, and can carry a payload of 30 pounds.

General Dynamics Land Systems is set to deliver four prototypes of the updated loitering munitions platform, PERCH 2.0, to the U.S. Army's 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood by the end of October. The new system integrates with Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles, enhancing beyond line-of-sight surveillance capabilities. This development follows feedback from military leaders and aims to meet the Army's evolving needs for advanced weapon systems.

The U.S. Air Force developed JP-7 fuel for the SR-71 Blackbird, enabling it to operate at Mach 3.2 without risk of combustion. JP-7's high flash point and thermal stability allowed it to function as both fuel and coolant, essential for the aircraft's performance. The KC-135Q tankers were specifically modified to transport this specialized fuel.

Sion Power has developed lithium-metal batteries that significantly enhance drone capabilities by doubling energy density compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries. These advancements allow for longer flight times and greater payload capacities, making drones more effective in various missions. The company is ramping up production in Tucson, Arizona, to meet growing demand for these high-capacity batteries in defense applications.

Canada is reviewing its planned acquisition of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets, with only 16 currently committed to purchase. The review, ordered by Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 14, 2025, is ongoing amid trade disputes with the U.S. and considerations of alternative aircraft, including Saab's Gripen E. The Royal Canadian Air Force has one F-35 in Texas for pilot training.

Hanwha Defense USA plans to compete for the Army's tracked howitzer program following its recent contract for wheeled howitzers. The company is considering its K9A1 and K9A2 variants, with the K9A2 offering advanced capabilities. The Army has issued a request for information regarding tracked howitzers and associated resupply vehicles.

The U.S. Air Force's F-15EX Eagle II, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is operationally effective in air superiority roles and is set to increase its fleet from 98 to 129 aircraft by Fiscal Year 2026. The F-15EX features advanced capabilities, including a high-speed processor and the ability to carry hypersonic weapons, enhancing its combat effectiveness against fifth-generation adversaries.

Marconi Technologies received a contract to deliver high-capacity sensor offload capabilities to a USSOCOM unit in Germantown, Maryland, on October 9, 2026. The contract includes the provision of Orion X604 radios to connect operators to sensors and autonomous systems.