Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $16.8 million contract modification to Oshkosh Defense for the procurement of ROGUE-Fires missile carriers on February 20, 2026. The work will be conducted primarily in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, with additional operations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, Alexandria, Virginia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be completed by December 2026. The ROGUE-Fires system will enhance the Marine Corps' capability for long-range precision strikes against maritime targets.

On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $43.5 million contract modification for the PAC-3 air and missile defense system at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This modification raises the total contract value to $223 million and aims to ensure the operational readiness of the PAC-3 system through launcher recapitalization. The contract activities are expected to be completed by February 22, 2027.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $96.2 million contract to Exyte US for infrastructure construction to support Israel's CH-53K King Stallion helicopters. The project, located in Israel, is set to be completed by March 23, 2029, and is part of Israel's transition from older helicopter platforms. This initiative is supported by the Foreign Military Sales program, which facilitates military aid and procurement.

Ukraine conducted a long-range strike on the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in Udmurtia, Russia, on February 21, 2023, resulting in explosions and a significant fire. The attack targeted a key facility involved in Russia's ballistic missile production, aiming to disrupt its manufacturing capabilities. Three individuals were hospitalized, and reports suggest the use of long-range strike systems in the operation.

Soldiers at the 5592 Observation Post in Tibet maintain their posts and engage in daily life despite extreme conditions. The outpost, the highest military station in the army, has improved its facilities significantly, including the addition of oxygen machines. Soldiers express pride in their service and commitment to their duties during the 2026 New Year celebrations.

Miao Xuejian, a logistics officer of the People's Liberation Army Joint Logistics Support Force, continues to manage military supplies and ammunition in a remote area of Liaoning Province as the Spring Festival approaches. He previously participated in the 2025 military parade, marking a significant achievement in his career. Miao emphasizes the importance of logistics in military operations and is committed to training new soldiers as he considers his future in the military.

Rheinmetall has been contracted to supply 274 CT-025 turrets for the Bundeswehr's Luchs 2 reconnaissance vehicle, with deliveries scheduled from 2029 to 2031. The contract, signed in Kaiserslautern in February 2026, includes advanced sensor technology and a digital fire control system. Rheinmetall will also develop combat simulation training devices for reconnaissance troops, enhancing training capabilities.

The U.S. Army established the Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT) to enhance the development and acquisition of soldier-driven innovations. PIT will coordinate with Program Acquisition Executives to streamline funding and implementation of new ideas, particularly focusing on power generation for unmanned aerial systems. This initiative aims to significantly speed up the acquisition process compared to traditional methods.

A partnership was established between the Asymmetric MIA Accounting Group and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to recover the remains of American and Filipino soldiers from World War II. This initiative, which began in January 2023, aims to locate burial sites and provide military honors to the long-lost servicemen. The effort is supported by local authorities and historical knowledge, marking a significant opportunity for closure for the families involved.

The MiG-35 Fulcrum-F program is struggling, with fewer than 10 aircraft in active service as of February 20, 2026. The Russian Air Force has not prioritized the aircraft, and production is hindered by sanctions and supply chain issues. The MiG-35's international sales have been poor, and its lack of stealth capabilities limits its effectiveness in combat.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to develop an autonomous boom system for the KC-390 tanker in Melbourne, Florida, with an investment of over $500 million. This system aims to enhance the KC-390's refueling capabilities for a wider range of aircraft, including U.S. Air Force models. The KC-390 is already in use by several countries and is compliant with U.S. defense regulations, indicating strong market potential.

The U.S. Navy has resituated 4,500 sailors from afloat to shore-based housing as part of its 'No Sailor Lives Afloat' initiative. This effort aims to enhance the quality of life for sailors by improving barracks and expanding housing access. Additionally, the Navy is implementing Wi-Fi and cell service improvements in barracks to support sailors' needs. The initiative reflects the Navy's commitment to retaining personnel by adapting to the expectations of a younger generation of sailors.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace signed a NOK 400 million contract to upgrade the combat system on the Norwegian Navy's Skjold class vessels on February 20, 2026. This upgrade aims to enhance the vessels' precision, detection capability, and endurance, ensuring their operational capability for the future. The project is a continuation of previous upgrades initiated in 2022, involving six Skjold class vessels, known for their speed.

The U.S. Navy plans to phase out its original physical training uniform (PTU) in 2027, replacing it with a newer uniform featuring blue shirts and shorts. This decision follows sailor feedback indicating a preference for the new design, which is expected to reduce uniform costs and improve fit. The transition to the new uniform will begin in 2027, depending on production schedules.

Austal Defence Australia has been awarded a $4 billion contract to build eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels for the Australian military at Henderson, Western Australia. Construction is set to begin later this year, with the last vessel expected to be delivered in 2038. These vessels will significantly enhance Australia's amphibious capabilities and support humanitarian efforts.

Ukraine has transformed into a defense industrial powerhouse, providing over 50% of its military needs as of February 19, 2026. This shift, confirmed at the Munich Security Conference, marks a significant change in European security dynamics. Ukrainian manufacturers are now central suppliers of various weaponry, supported by joint production agreements with European nations, enhancing both military capabilities and strategic partnerships.

Alexandra ReevesFri Feb 20 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of Defense began testing commercial drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the Drone Dominance Program, aiming to acquire 300,000 drones by 2028. The program includes a list of 54 cleared drone models, with 29 approved for operational use. This initiative seeks to enhance military capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign-made components and boosting domestic production.

The U.S. Department of Defense began testing commercial drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the Drone Dominance Program. This initiative aims to evaluate uncrewed aerial systems to streamline procurement and enhance military capabilities. The Pentagon plans to invest over $1 billion in domestic drone production and aims to acquire 300,000 drones by 2028, with testing scheduled to continue every six months.

U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order in February 2025 to restructure foreign arms sales, focusing on prioritizing countries that invest in their self-defense. The order aims to streamline processes and improve transparency in arms sales, potentially reshuffling the priority list for arms recipients. Canada is responding by seeking to diversify its defense partnerships away from the U.S.

AUKUS is structured as an industrial expansion pact to enhance submarine production capacity rather than transferring existing platforms. Australian funding is currently flowing into U.S. shipyard infrastructure, with the goal of establishing new production capabilities. The U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy are involved, with operations noted in Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, as of March 31, 2025.