Analysis & Reports

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. 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.

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.

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.

Lithuania has begun construction of a new rail connection to the Rudninkai military training area to enhance troop and equipment transport in support of a German brigade deployment. This project, announced by the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence in February 2026, aims to improve military mobility and ensure reliable movement of forces and heavy equipment. The initiative is part of broader NATO reinforcement planning and addresses challenges in moving heavy military equipment using civilian infrastructure.

The USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) remains sidelined at Newport News, Virginia, due to a 14-month delay in its midlife overhaul caused by supply chain issues and significant mechanical degradation. Inspections revealed a degraded steam turbine generator, impacting its operational readiness. Meanwhile, the USS Gerald R. Ford is engaged in high-tempo operations, raising concerns about crew fatigue and system strain.

The 075 amphibious assault ship Anhu conducted joint amphibious landing operation training at sea, utilizing Z-8 helicopters for troop transport. Fully armed marine troops boarded the helicopters to execute landing operations. The training involved multiple military elements, including naval and air forces, and successfully captured key positions on the shore.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $94.7 million contract to DCS for the development of advanced multi-domain analysis systems at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. This contract, announced on February 19, 2026, aims to enhance mission-level operational effects modeling across air, ground, space, and cyber domains, with completion expected by February 19, 2031. The initiative supports the Air Force's multi-domain operational framework and focuses on integrating real-world sensor data with simulated conditions.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are jointly developing advanced air mobility capabilities for the KC-390 Millennium aircraft, enhancing its tanking capabilities. This initiative, announced on February 20, 2026, aims to provide the U.S. Air Force and allied nations with greater operational autonomy and efficiency. The KC-390 is recognized for its superior performance and versatility in complex missions.