Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Britain budgeted £3.9 billion for two aircraft carriers, spent about £7.6 billion, then watched HMS Prince of Wales break down days after leaving Portsmouth, wreck a 22-ton propeller, and sit in the yard for nine months — at times the Royal Navy has had neither ship available
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.
The Royal Navy’s Type 45 Destroyer Problems Summed Up in 4 Words
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.
US Air Force renews efforts to ensure units have accurate spouse contact information
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 This effort was prompted by incidents where families could not be reached due to outdated or incorrect information.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.
Lockheed reaches deal to boost production of secretive JATM missile
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.
Department of War signs framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to increase production of AIM-260 JATM, boost FMS Sales
The Department of War signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin on September 17, 2026, to expand production capacity for the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. This agreement aims to ensure long-term demand signals for key suppliers and supports the Department's Acquisition Transformation Strategy. It reflects collaboration among various military organizations and establishes a framework for future Multi-Year Procurement of the missile system.
Rheinmetall breaks ground to expand Quebec facility
Rheinmetall Canada held a groundbreaking ceremony to expand its facility in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, marking its 40th anniversary. This expansion underscores the company's long-term commitment to the defense sector.
Pentagon wants new mobile radar to track hypersonic weapons
The Missile Defense Agency is developing a new mobile radar system, Forward Based Mode Radar Next, to enhance missile tracking capabilities. This system is designed to be rapidly deployable via C-17 aircraft and aims to provide early warning against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The agency emphasizes the need for cost-effective production and low detection signatures for operational effectiveness.
U.S. Navy buys first HFORCE backup radios that skip satellites
The U.S. Navy has ordered 12 production kits of the High Frequency Over-the-Horizon Communication system (HFORCE) from MaXentric Technologies for $9.6 million. This new long-range radio system is designed to ensure communication capabilities when satellite links are compromised. The project is set to be completed by March 2028, with work being conducted in New Jersey and California.
U.S. Navy, Coast Guard buys new Saab radars
The U.S. Navy awarded Saab a $51.5 million contract modification for the production of Sea Giraffe Multi-Mode Radar systems, with work split between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Syracuse, New York. The contract, which includes engineering support and spare parts, is funded by both Coast Guard and Navy accounts and is expected to be completed by December 2028.
U.S. Navy orders new engine cores for its P-8A fleet
The U.S. Navy awarded a $490 million contract to CFM International for up to 24 replacement engine cores for its P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with half allocated for the Navy and half for allied militaries. The contract includes logistics support and will be executed across facilities in France and the U.S., running through September 2031. The P-8A is utilized by multiple countries, reflecting its widespread adoption.
The UK Opens Large Factory for Military Reorganization
Isambard Company opened a large factory in London, the largest since WWII, to produce high-precision metal parts for defense equipment. The facility, expected to employ 200 people by 2027, will support major clients like Babcock and Anduril. This move aligns with the growing defense spending in Europe amid rising tensions with Russia.
Rocket engines, helmet displays and ground robots: Last looks from AFA Day 3
Various military and defense systems were showcased at the 2026 AFA Air Space & Cyber conference in Maryland. Northrop Grumman presented its counter-drone system, while RTX displayed a Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display for pilots. Ursa Major exhibited liquid-fueled rocket engines, and the Air Force Research Laboratory showcased a battlefield blood recycling system. Additionally, Teledyne Flir brought ground robots to the event.
SDA misses self-imposed deadline on orbital mesh network
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is currently a year behind schedule on its orbital mesh network for satellite data relay, as revealed by SDA director G.P. Sandhoo at the AFA 2026 conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The network is crucial for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PSWA) and aims to enhance data transfer between satellites. Delays are attributed to supply chain issues with Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs), prompting SDA to explore alternative suppliers for future satellite tranches.
BAE gets $818M more to build U.S. Army’s AMPVs
The U.S. Army is investing an additional $818 million in the production of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) to replace the aging M113 troop carriers. This funding increases the total contract value with BAE Systems to over $3.3 billion, with production expected to continue until May 31, 2030. The AMPV will be produced in multiple variants to fulfill various roles within the Army's armored brigade combat teams.
U.S. Army rebuilds long-range missile stocks drained by the war on Iran
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.21 billion contract to develop the Precision Strike Missile Increment 2, aimed at replenishing stocks depleted during combat against Iran. This missile will enhance capabilities to target moving threats and is expected to be completed by September 13, 2031. The contract reflects the urgency of rebuilding missile inventories after significant usage in recent military operations.
Patriot PAC-3 Production Is Tripling While NATO Still Runs Short
Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are significantly increasing the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming for 2,000 units annually by 2027. This surge responds to urgent demands from Ukraine and NATO allies facing missile threats. The production expansion highlights the need for a diversified air defense strategy, as current reliance on expensive interceptors is unsustainable against cheaper drone threats. NATO's air defense capabilities remain under strain, necessitating coordinated procurement and increased production efforts across Europe.
Alexandra ReevesWed Sep 16 2026Loading...F-35 engine upgrade clears key design review, Pratt says
Pratt & Whitney announced that the F-35 engine upgrade has successfully passed a crucial design review, allowing the program to advance to testing phases. Ground testing is set to commence in 2027, followed by flight testing around 2030, with production expected to start in 2031. The upgrade aims to enhance engine performance and reduce maintenance costs, benefiting all variants of the F-35.
Tanker fleet modernization will continue for decades, US Air Force officials say
The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its aerial refueling tanker fleet, focusing on the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus. This ongoing recapitalization aims to enhance mission capability and ensure the joint force's success. Officials emphasize the importance of connectivity and industry partnerships to expedite the delivery of capabilities. The modernization efforts will continue for decades, supporting both legacy and new platforms.
Anduril officials say company can’t start on CCA production contract without FY27 budget
Anduril Industries is unable to commence production of FQ-44 Fury drones until the FY27 budget is approved by Congress, expected by December 2023. The company is currently building prototypes and integrating munitions at its Arsenal-1 facility in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. Air Force anticipates having 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft in service by 2032, with ongoing tests and integration efforts underway at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.
Budget impasse imperils 1 in 10 Space Force programs, new chief says
The U.S. Space Force faces significant budget constraints, with 10% of its programs unable to proceed without a new spending bill. General Douglas Schiess highlighted the urgency for Congress to approve the budget, as the Space Force aims to expand to 20,000 personnel by the end of the decade. He confirmed the existence of operational space control weapons in orbit, emphasizing the need for resources to maintain military readiness against emerging threats.
