Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman are accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California, with the first operational aircraft expected at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the U.S. long-range strike capabilities against modern air defenses, supported by significant investments in manufacturing infrastructure and digital engineering tools.

The U.S. Air Force announced an agreement with Northrop Grumman to increase production of the B-21 Raider bomber, targeting delivery by 2027. This initiative is supported by $4.5 billion in funding and aims to enhance operational capabilities for combatant commanders. The B-21 is expected to be operational at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota by 2027, following its flight testing that began in November 2023.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to allocate $152 billion in fiscal year 2026 for various defense initiatives, including $25 billion for munitions procurement and $24.4 billion for missile defense. Key investments will enhance the defense industrial base, focusing on solid rocket motors and hypersonic weapons. Additionally, $29 billion is designated for Navy shipbuilding to restore the maritime industrial base.

The defense industrial base must adapt and evolve to meet the changing threats of modern warfare. Northrop Grumman's Jackie Schmoll emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to address these challenges. The report highlights the importance of keeping pace with new technologies in the defense sector.

Pyka announced the development of the DropShip autonomous cargo drone on February 23, 2026, designed for logistics transport and casualty evacuation in contested environments. The drone aims to minimize risks to pilots and high-value aircraft, addressing challenges in modern military logistics. It is engineered for operations in high-threat areas and is approaching its first flight milestone.

Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 11th Airborne Division conducted Arctic warfare training at the Yukon Training Area in Alaska during JPMRC Rotation 26-02. They faced significant logistical challenges due to extreme cold, impacting the use of drones and tablets. The division is exploring new equipment and strategies to enhance operational effectiveness in harsh conditions, while plans for a sustainment brigade are underway to improve logistics.

Russian forces destroyed Ukrainian transportation and energy infrastructure on April 23, 2023, in response to Ukrainian drone attacks. On April 22, Ukrainian drones targeted an oil station in Tatarstan, while strikes in Voronezh and Belgorod Oblasts caused power outages. President Zelensky stated that Ukraine would not concede territory for a ceasefire, and President Macron urged for new EU sanctions against Russia. Putin announced plans to enhance military capabilities.

Staff Sgt. Richard Stefon Ramroop and his spouse were indicted on February 11, 2024, for a fraud scheme at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. They allegedly defrauded the Department of Defense of millions by misusing Ramroop's position to purchase and resell medical devices. The couple used the proceeds to buy luxury vehicles and a million-dollar home, with over $11 million deposited into their accounts from fraudulent activities.

Four military working dogs died due to inadequate kennel conditions at various U.S. bases from fiscal year 2021 through 2023. The Pentagon report revealed that many kennels failed to protect dogs from extreme weather and health hazards, leading to neglect and health issues. The Air Force is revising kennel standards and has initiated costly upgrades to improve conditions for military working dogs.

Denmark established Squadron 729 to operate four MQ-9B drones from Aalborg Air Base starting in 2028. Canada signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark to utilize 11 MQ-9B drones for Arctic surveillance. Both nations aim to enhance operational efficiency through potential logistics and maintenance cooperation, despite challenges posed by long distances to strategic locations in Greenland. Experts suggest Keflavík Air Base in Iceland as a viable option for joint operations.

The US Army is preparing to field small, one-way attack drones to every squad by October 1, 2023, and is evaluating training and logistics for their integration. A recent drone warfighter competition explored necessary training and tactics changes. The Army is addressing concerns about property accountability for these drones, aiming to have every squad equipped with FPV-style weapons by the end of fiscal 2026.

Rolls Royce confirmed the delivery of upgraded F130 engines for the B-52 Stratofortress, expected in 2027. The engines are part of a multi-billion dollar Commercial Engine Replacement Program and will support the aircraft's modernization as it transitions to the B-52J designation. Testing has been conducted at the Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tennessee, with further testing planned at NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The U.S. Navy is considering reducing the length of sailors' second sea tours from 50-60 months to 36-48 months to enhance retention and improve quality of life. Rear Adm. Jennifer Couture highlighted the findings from exit surveys indicating high burnout levels among sailors. The Navy is also implementing various quality-of-life initiatives and developing an AI-based retention demand planning tool to better manage personnel needs.

Patria delivered the first five CAVS 6×6 armoured vehicles to the Bundeswehr in Zeithain, Germany, on February 23, 2026. This handover is part of a procurement contract established in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in Germany's transition to a modern protected mobility fleet. The CAVS programme involves multiple nations and aims to enhance military capabilities through local industry collaboration.

Ukrainian forces recaptured approximately 400 square kilometers of territory in a counteroffensive, while Russian forces conducted large-scale attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure. Russian casualties exceeded 186,000, with significant losses reported in the Novopavlivka sector. The conflict remains characterized by operational stalemate, with both sides sustaining heavy casualties and ongoing military operations across multiple fronts.

Dmitri VolkovMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

NATO is struggling to keep pace with Russia's rapid advancements in drone warfare capabilities in the Arctic. Russia is producing over 1.5 million drone units annually and has established dedicated drone units, while NATO lacks sufficient Arctic-ready uncrewed systems. The alliance must address significant logistical and operational challenges to effectively integrate drones into its defense strategy in the region.

The Sahel region has become the epicenter of global terrorism, with over half of the world's terrorism-related deaths occurring there. Between January and November 2025, 450 attacks resulted in more than 1,900 fatalities, primarily attributed to groups like JNIM and ISWAP. These groups have expanded their operations into coastal states, threatening regional stability and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent funding and coordinated action.

Marie DuboisMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army issued a Request for Information on February 20, 2026, seeking industry participation for a modification program to upgrade 12 to 24 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters annually. This initiative aims to enhance operational readiness and manage long-term sustainment challenges. An industry day held on February 19, 2026, in Huntsville, Alabama, outlined the requirements for modernization and sustainment of the helicopter fleet.

The U.S. Army published a Sources Sought Notice on February 20, 2026, seeking industry input for the production of a firing mechanism component for 60mm mortar systems. The Army requires an estimated 55 units per year to support operational sustainment. Responses are due by March 9, 2026, and participation is voluntary, with a Technical Data Package available only to authorized contractors.

USS New Mexico (SSN 779) arrived at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard on February 21, 2026, for a major overhaul aimed at extending its operational life and enhancing combat capabilities. The Virginia-class attack submarine, crewed by over 120 Sailors, will undergo extensive modernization to meet future operational demands. This overhaul is a priority for the U.S. Navy, reflecting the submarine's operational value and readiness prior to maintenance.