Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon has selected a contractor for the U.S. Navy's next-generation stealth fighter, with an announcement anticipated in the coming weeks. The program, known as F/A-XX, aims to replace the aging F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet and is crucial for maintaining naval air dominance against advancing threats. Funding has been secured, with $750 million allocated in 2025 and an additional $1.4 billion in 2026.

The Italian Air Force has ordered two new MQ-9A Block 5 Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft from General Atomics. This acquisition aims to enhance Italy's military drone capabilities.

Blighter is promoting its radar systems for border and low-altitude air surveillance at the MSPO defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The company has deployed over 800 radar units in over 40 countries and won a contract to supply its systems to an unnamed Eastern European army. Blighter's radars are designed to detect low-flying threats, including drones, and are already in use by various military forces, including the UK Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Air Force.

AEVEX Corp. won $20.5 million in U.S. government contracts to develop one-way attack drones, announced on September 9, 2026. These drones will support combat-ready units and training. This marks the third contract awarded to AEVEX for such systems in 2026, contributing to their significant share of the loitering munitions market.

Russia allocated 44% of its federal budget to military needs in the first half of 2026, reflecting a significant increase in military spending. This allocation represents 10.5% of GDP and 57.3% of federal revenues, indicating a shift in economic priorities towards defense. The report highlights concerns over the sustainability of such spending amid declining energy revenues and the implications for the civilian economy.

Dmitri VolkovWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

Elbit Systems launched FUSE, a new business line for autonomous combat drones and ground vehicles, in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, on September 9, 2025. The FUSE portfolio includes the Dominion-X software, enabling a single operator to control multiple systems in GPS-denied environments. The technology has been proven in operational use, with over 1 million flight hours logged. FUSE systems are currently in service with military customers in Israel, the U.S., and Europe.

Aero Sentinel's G2 unmanned aircraft successfully completed reconnaissance missions during a Romanian military exercise, demonstrating its capabilities in a challenging electronic warfare environment. The drone operated for up to 75 minutes, detecting enemy positions despite heavy jamming. Romanian defense officials showed interest in further evaluating the G2 for potential military integration.

The US Army has contracted to triple the production of PAC-3 MSE missiles to about 2,000 per year by 2030. Poland is expanding its military to 500,000 personnel by the same year. Ukraine is urgently requesting 5 to 10 PAC-3 missiles at a time due to a shortage caused by ongoing Russian missile attacks. The demand for air defense systems is rising as the conflict continues.

HENSOLDT signed a development contract for the Optarion mission support system. The customer for this contract is the Federal Office, indicating a focus on enhancing military support capabilities.

The China Coast Guard successfully completed a 45-day fishing law enforcement patrol in the North Pacific Ocean on September 9, 2026. The operation involved two vessels, covering over 19,800 nautical miles and inspecting 20 foreign fishing vessels. This patrol marks the 11th such operation by the China Coast Guard, emphasizing China's commitment to managing and protecting fishing resources in international waters.

Jordan intercepted 18 Iranian missiles on September 9, 2026, amid rising tensions between Tehran and Washington. This action underscores Jordan's strategic position and the challenges of air defense in the Gulf region. The interceptions indicate a significant military capability but also reveal vulnerabilities in regional defense systems.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Sep 09 2026Loading...

The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. The changes aim to establish sex-neutral standards and may impact personnel who fail to meet the new requirements.

The U.S. Air Force is developing rapidly deployable drone swarms for base security, utilizing cargo planes as launch platforms. The drones will autonomously defend bases from attacks, with a proposal deadline of October 21, 2023. The project emphasizes secure communications and has potential applications for disaster response and border surveillance.

The U.S. Department of Defense updated its physical fitness policy on August 31, 2023, designating over 80 military occupations as combat arms, requiring them to complete a new combat field test. This includes various branches such as the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, with specific tests tailored to each service. Troops in these roles will also face different standards on regular fitness tests, emphasizing sex-neutral requirements.

The U.S. Department of Defense implemented new combat field fitness tests for over 80 military occupations designated as combat arms, effective August 31, 2023. This includes personnel from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force, who must now meet specific fitness standards set by their respective branches. The Army's test consists of seven events, and failure to meet these standards may result in administrative actions, including potential separation from service.

U.S. Central Command denied Iranian claims of attacks on U.S. Navy vessels in the Persian Gulf on September 9. In response to U.S. actions against Iranian tankers, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have targeted two U.S. Navy ships and eight tankers. U.S. forces reported the destruction of 10 Iranian tankers linked to the Revolutionary Guard's funding network.

German pilots from the Luftwaffe scored simulated kills against US Air Force F-22 Raptors during the Red Flag exercise in Alaska in 2012. They deployed 8 Eurofighter Typhoons and 150 personnel, achieving notable success while the F-22s were hampered by external fuel tanks. Following the exercise, the German pilots commemorated their victories by painting kill decals on their aircraft.

The F-35 Lightning II achieved a 20:1 kill ratio against F-16s during Red Flag 2017 at Nellis Air Force Base, showcasing its stealth and sensor capabilities. However, aggressor F-16 pilots successfully employed swarm tactics, revealing vulnerabilities in the F-35's limited missile capacity and forcing it into close-range engagements. This incident underscores both the strengths and limitations of the F-35 in modern air combat scenarios.

Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre analyzed the B-21 Raider's aerodynamic characteristics using public imagery and the PADJ-X simulation software. They claimed to identify potential weaknesses in the bomber's design, suggesting that small configuration changes could improve performance. However, the findings are theoretical and should be viewed with skepticism due to the lack of classified data.

Taiwan proposed an additional $4.6 billion in defense spending for 2026 to enhance military readiness amid rising tensions with China. The head of the American Institute in Taiwan warned that a conflict would be disastrous, emphasizing the need for Taiwan to demonstrate its capability to deter a quick victory by the People's Liberation Army. The funding aims to improve Taiwan's military inventory, including F-16V fighters and air-defense systems, while also addressing cyber threats.

Marcus ChenWed Sep 09 2026Loading...