Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army expanded its drone marketplace to include 33 nations during a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. This initiative aims to facilitate rapid acquisition of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and has processed $800 million in transactions since its launch. The Army also awarded $7 billion in contracts for counter-drone systems through this marketplace, responding to increasing drone threats.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will discuss the future of autonomous warfare at the AUSA Annual Meeting on October 14, 2026, at 10 a.m. EST in Washington, D.C. The panel, titled 'Project Agincourt: Autonomous Warfare,' will include senior defense officials examining the military's approach to autonomous systems. This event highlights the Pentagon's increasing emphasis on integrating autonomous capabilities into military operations.

The Pentagon is working to produce 100,000 drones next year to enhance the U.S. drone industrial base. It plans to consume these drones at scale for training and operational readiness, emphasizing the need for industry to adapt quickly to technological changes. Improved collaboration between vendors and operators has been noted during recent exercises, highlighting the importance of integrating manufacturing with military operations.

Milrem Robotics and Chugach Alaska Corporation signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to explore the production of unmanned ground systems in the United States. This partnership aims to establish a U.S. industrial base for the production, integration, and support of Milrem's systems, catering to U.S. military and allied forces. The agreement was made during the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Association of the United States Army.

Skapion unveiled the world's first Native Counter-Swarm defense system in Washington, D.C. on October 14, 2026. This advanced air-defense capability is designed to detect and defeat large-scale drone swarm attacks, engaging over 100 targets simultaneously with a high interception rate. The system is supported by a $36 million funding round to enhance its development and validation.

The U.S. Marine Corps ordered SAFE MULE loaders from S.A.F.E. Structure Designs for logistics support, announced on October 13, 2023. The loaders can lift 4,500 kg air cargo pallets and fit inside MV-22 Ospreys. This initial order includes operator training and technical support, with plans for a larger purchase in 2027.

Leonardo DRS won a $500 million contract to supply counter-drone radar systems to the U.S. Department of War's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 on October 14, 2023. This contract enables the company to compete for task orders related to integrated counter-drone sensing for force protection and low-altitude air defense. The award is part of efforts to enhance military capabilities against emerging drone threats.

The U.S. Army is creating opportunities for additional vendors to compete for the Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) Increment 2 launcher, allowing them to demonstrate their capabilities. This initiative, described by Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano, aims to enhance competition alongside existing contracts with Lockheed Martin and Boeing-Anduril. A new competition is set for the fourth quarter of 2027 as the Pentagon seeks to increase munition production and address budgetary challenges.

Uvision showcased its eight-canister launcher for HERO 120 loitering munitions at the AUSA annual meeting in Washington on October 13, 2023. The launcher is designed for remote operation and integrates with the AI-enabled CORTEX mission management software. It can be deployed in various configurations and is aimed at enhancing strike capabilities for military applications.

Oshkosh Defense has begun production of the first DXPV prototype for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. This announcement was made today in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, highlighting the company's commitment to providing advanced military vehicles.

The U.S. Navy is increasing its stock of spare parts for Aegis radars and fire-control systems, ordering $15.1 million worth from Raytheon. This effort supports the goal of maintaining 75 mission-capable ships. The contract covers 419 requirements across 46 parts, with work primarily conducted in Andover, Massachusetts, and deliveries expected through December 2034.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $117.1 million contract for post-production support of the AN/APR-48B radar frequency interferometer used on Apache helicopters. This contract will last until October 12, 2031, and involves maintaining the system that detects enemy radars. Lockheed Martin is also developing a Generation 3 radar system to eventually replace the current model.

The U.S. Army has transferred 600 soldiers to its newly established Space Operations Branch, creating the first permanent enlisted cadre of Tactical Space Operations Specialists. This selection process drew from a pool of nearly 3,000 applicants, emphasizing the Army's commitment to enhancing its space capabilities. Training for these specialists will take place at the Space and Missile Defense Center of Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $56.2 million contract to Huntington Ingalls Industries for engineering and design work on nuclear-powered submarines supporting the AUKUS partnership. The contract, funded by foreign partner funds, includes technical support and design transfer activities. Newport News Shipbuilding will conduct most of the work at its Virginia shipyard, with completion scheduled for September 2027.

Raytheon was awarded an $8 billion contract by the U.S. Air Force on October 13, 2023, to modernize and restart production of nuclear command terminals. The work will take place in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Largo, Florida, and is expected to continue through October 12, 2036. These terminals are essential for linking national leaders to U.S. nuclear forces.

Lockheed Martin and Avio announced a strategic cooperation agreement for the production of solid rocket motors on October 13, 2026, in Colleferro, Virginia. This collaboration aims to enhance the resiliency of the U.S. supply chain for solid rocket motors, focusing on the Extended Range GMLRS and Precision Strike Missile. Avio has committed over $500 million to increase production capacity in the United States.

Fincantieri completed the acquisition of Xtera Topco Limited, a leader in subsea telecommunications systems, through a joint venture with Prysmian. This acquisition, announced in December 2025, aims to strengthen Fincantieri's position in the underwater sector and enhance the resilience of critical infrastructure. The partnership combines expertise in optical engineering and submarine cable systems, contributing to the development of advanced capabilities in the underwater domain.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and SIG SAUER successfully tested the FIRE STORM 250 unmanned system in Washington DC on October 13, 2026. The system demonstrated its capabilities in airborne surveillance and precision firepower, integrating a SIG SAUER MICROLIGHT Remote Controlled Weapon Station with a M250 machine gun. This innovative platform is designed for tactical missions, providing operational flexibility and extended reach for forces in the field.

Oshkosh Defense began production of the Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicle (DXPV) prototype for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence on October 13, 2026. This vehicle, derived from the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), incorporates enhancements for improved mobility and maritime operations. The production leverages an active production line, allowing for rapid development and delivery of military capabilities.

The U.S. Army and Navy collaborated to develop a Triple Container rigid-wall shelter system capable of operating in extreme Arctic conditions, with testing conducted in New Hampshire. This initiative aims to enhance military operability in the Arctic, addressing challenges posed by low temperatures. The shelter system can function in temperatures as low as -65 degrees Fahrenheit, significantly improving the operational capabilities of U.S. forces in the region.