Analysis & Reports

The U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies proposed that the U.S. Navy should target Chinese aircraft carriers, viewing them as a strategic vulnerability. The report outlines tactics involving submarines and land-based missiles to counter China's growing naval capabilities. It highlights the need for the U.S. to adapt its naval strategy and increase its submarine fleet to effectively challenge the People's Liberation Army Navy.

The U.S. Defense Department and Lockheed Martin signed a framework agreement to expand production of the AIM-260 missile at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. This agreement lays the groundwork for a future multiyear buy of the missile, which is designed to enhance air dominance capabilities. Australia has committed to purchasing the AIM-260 for its Royal Australian Air Force, marking its first export customer.

The Royal Navy's aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, faced significant mechanical breakdowns and maintenance issues from 2022 to 2025, impacting operational readiness. HMS Prince of Wales broke down shortly after departing Portsmouth, leading to a nine-month repair period, while HMS Queen Elizabeth experienced multiple issues, including a propeller shaft coupling failure. Despite these challenges, HMS Prince of Wales successfully completed Operation Highmast in 2025, suggesting improved reliability moving forward.

Japan plans to introduce approximately 52,000 drones for long-range strikes and intelligence gathering between 2027 and 2031 as part of its defense strategy. The government aims to counter threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, with a defense budget projected to reach 70-80 trillion yen. This military expansion has sparked public criticism regarding the allocation of resources and potential impacts on civilian sectors.

Babcock International Group and Ark Robotics have partnered to supply combat-proven uncrewed ground vehicles to UK forces. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the UK military with advanced unmanned technology.

HMS Duncan began a major refit in Portsmouth on September 6, 2023, as part of the Royal Navy's Power Improvement Project to resolve ongoing propulsion issues with the Type 45 destroyers. This project aims to replace the original diesel generators with more powerful units, enhancing the operational reliability of the fleet. Three Type 45s have already completed their upgrades, with full completion expected by 2028.

Nokia Defense and C3IA signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance digital communications capabilities for the UK defense sector. This partnership aims to support the modernization of defense communications in the UK.

Rheinmetall UK and Mercedes-Benz UK formalized a partnership to support the British Army's future tactical mobility requirements under the Land Mobility Programme. This collaboration focuses on enhancing the logistical capabilities of the British Army through new vehicle solutions.

On September 16, 2026, U.S. and Indian soldiers conducted a counterterrorism building-clearing demonstration in Auli, India, involving approximately 6,000 personnel. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability in mountain warfare without indicating a formal military alignment against China. While it improves cooperation, India's military priorities remain focused on continental issues rather than Pacific engagements.

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The U.S. Air Force is launching an initiative to enhance the accuracy of spouse contact information to improve communication during emergencies. This effort was prompted by incidents where families could not be reached due to outdated or incorrect information. Senior leaders, including Gen. Douglas Scheiss and Cindy Wilsbach, stressed the importance of maintaining updated contact details to ensure military families receive necessary support, especially during deployments.

Emmanuel LEVACHER was re-elected as President of GICAT during a board meeting in Paris on July 13, 2026, following a General Meeting held on July 8, 2026.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin have reached an agreement to ramp up production of the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM) in Washington. This agreement aims to support future multi-year procurement and boost foreign military sales. The JATM is designed to succeed the AMRAAM and has enhanced capabilities, with Australia announced as its first international customer.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $200 million contract to defense startup Castelion for the production of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, enhancing carrier-based strike capabilities. This missile, designed for aircraft like the F-35 and F/A-18, has a range of 200 nautical miles and aims to fill a gap in the Navy's weapons systems. The contract is part of a broader effort to adapt acquisition processes to meet military needs more rapidly.

PT Pindad successfully completed the first pre-delivery acceptance tests for KAPLAN AP vehicles intended for the Indonesian Army. This development follows a contract signed with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense to fulfill the army's requirements for new military vehicles.

Ukrainian forces killed Russian Major General Anton Grunis in a drone strike in Donetsk City on September 12. This operation underscores the vulnerabilities of Russian command structures, as Grunis was a prominent figure linked to recent military claims. The incident reflects Ukraine's effective use of drone technology and intelligence to target high-ranking officials far from the front lines.

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The Pentagon is testing new technologies along the US-Mexico border, including high-energy lasers, unmanned boats, and drones. Plans for next year include expanding these efforts with more autonomous systems and counter-drone capabilities, as reported by Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Ditlevson.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to procure a 737 MAX aircraft to enhance its executive airlift capabilities, as authorized by the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This marks the first military purchase of the 737 MAX, which is intended to supplement the existing C-40 and C-32 aircraft used for transporting top officials. The procurement details, including cost and delivery timeline, remain unspecified.

A drone launched by Houthi forces was intercepted and destroyed in Taif, Saudi Arabia, on September 17, 2023. The debris from the drone caused one death and two injuries, with the deceased being Yemeni and the injured including a Saudi and a Pakistani, the latter in serious condition. Multiple buildings and vehicles were also damaged by the falling debris.

BAE Systems received $16 million in Defense Production Act funding to qualify its RH45 technology for radiation-hardened space missions. This technology, manufactured using 45nm silicon-on-insulator technology, is crucial for military and commercial applications in challenging space environments. The work is conducted at BAE Systems' facility in Manassas, Virginia, which is recognized as a trusted source for microelectronics by the U.S. Department of War.

General James Mattis highlighted the significance of mental preparation in warfare, famously stating that the most important six inches on the battlefield is between one's ears. He was known for his extensive reading lists for Marines and his leadership during military operations in Iraq. His quotes have influenced military philosophy and leadership practices.