Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force announced the creation of a new point-defense career field to protect bases from drones and missiles, with operations expected to begin within two years. Training for approximately 20 airmen is currently underway at the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems University. The initiative includes investments in new weapon systems and technology to enhance base defense capabilities against aerial threats.

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that the SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be integrated for use with the F-35 fighter aircraft. This integration is a collaborative effort with Lockheed Martin, taking place in the United States, and is expected to be completed within a few months. The SPICE 1000 allows precision strikes from a distance of 75 miles and has been a primary munition for the Israeli Air Force.

The U.S. military is preparing for potential conflict in cislunar space and on the moon, as stated by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. He highlighted the need for readiness in contested environments, while concerns grow over China's activities in the region. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 poses legal challenges for military operations on celestial bodies, prompting U.S. lawmakers to evaluate space law requirements to address these emerging threats.

Gen. Dan Caine stated that the U.S. military must adapt to future conflicts characterized by autonomous systems and advanced technology. He highlighted the importance of readiness and the integration of AI tools and drones in military operations. Caine noted the evolving nature of warfare, particularly with the military partnership between Russia and Iran, which poses new challenges for U.S. forces.

The U.S. Army is investing nearly $5 billion to enhance its helicopter defenses with new anti-missile laser systems, awarding Northrop Grumman a $4.8 billion contract for the CIRCM program. This upgrade aims to protect against shoulder-fired missiles and will equip all Army rotary-wing aircraft. As of 2023, over 700 systems have been delivered, with the contract extending through 2035.

Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense are commencing construction of a new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) named H38 in Washington this fall, with testing set for early next year. The H38 will be based on the M48 MUSV, which has successfully completed a 32,000-nautical mile mission. The Navy has expressed interest in modular capabilities for these vessels.

The Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines, displacing 7,800 tons, are compared to the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines, which displace 7,900 tons. Both classes are recognized for their advanced capabilities, including stealth and armament. The Astute-class is noted for its superior test depth and speed, while the Virginia-class has a larger crew and missile capacity. This comparison highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two navies regarding submarine technology.

DroneShield successfully installed and accepted its DroneSentry-X Mk2 counter-drone system on U.S. military Infantry Squad Vehicles in Warrenton, Virginia, on 16 September 2026. This achievement establishes initial operational capability for the technology, which provides mobile detection and electronic countermeasures against uncrewed aerial threats. The program includes operator training and further installations planned under a contract modification.

IDV has been selected by the U.S. Army for the Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability initiative, focusing on developing autonomous systems to breach obstacles and minefields. The initiative aims to enhance mission effectiveness while minimizing risks to soldiers. IDV's solution includes the VIKING Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, which integrates advanced autonomy technologies. The Army plans to evaluate these capabilities through demonstrations and operational assessments.

The Marine Corps tested a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) at Camp Pendleton in late August 2023 as part of the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) system. The USV, equipped with sonar and communication gear, can operate autonomously for up to 14 hours, aiding in mine detection and serving as a communications relay. Marines from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion participated in the testing, which was deemed successful, with plans to field the USV by fiscal year 2027.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating the SPICE 1000 precision-guided munition onto the F-35 Adir fighter jet in collaboration with Lockheed Martin in the United States. This integration, announced on September 15, 2026, allows the F-35 to utilize a munition capable of striking targets from over 120 km away. The Israeli Air Force has previously employed SPICE 1000 on its F-15 and F-16 fleets.

Anduril Industries showcased new weapons fit checks for the FQ-44 Fury aircraft, indicating its capability to carry various munitions for the U.S. Air Force. The Fury is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to pair uncrewed fighters with crewed aircraft. The U.S. Air Force plans to order between 100 and 150 aircraft, enhancing operational capabilities alongside existing fighter jets.

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced the first submarine training in the United States for FY2026, focusing on anti-submarine warfare collaboration with the U.S. Navy. The training will involve Soryu-class submarines and aims to enhance data exchange between detecting and hiding parties. Differences in acoustic data formats and communication protocols could impact operational efficiency.

Tanaka TakashiWed Sep 16 2026Loading...

The Chengdu J-20 is designed for long-range BVR combat, primarily targeting AWACS and aerial refuelers while also capable of limited air-to-ground missions against U.S. bases in the Pacific. It is not a direct competitor to the F-22 Raptor but serves a different strategic role. The J-20 has a longer combat range than the F-22, although its stealth capabilities are considered inferior.

USS Georgia retired at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on July 27, 2024, marking the beginning of the retirement process for the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class submarines. These submarines, capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles each, represent a significant loss of missile launch positions, totaling 616 across four vessels. The Navy plans to redesignate 19 Virginia-class submarines to partially compensate for this loss, but no direct replacements for the Ohio-class SSGNs are planned.

Russian forces continue to launch counterattacks in Ukraine, suffering over 30,000 casualties monthly. Ukraine has regained initiative and territory in the Donetsk region, disrupting Russian objectives. Putin remains fixated on capturing the entire Donetsk oblast before considering peace talks, despite the improbability of achieving this goal. The situation reflects a significant shift in battlefield dynamics, with Ukraine successfully countering Russian advances.

The U.S. Space Force Chief of Operations, Gen. Doug Schiess, addressed funding challenges at the AFA’s Air Space & Cyber conference in National Harbor, Maryland, on September 14, 2026. The event showcased various military technologies, including the Locust X3 counter-drone system, Havoc missile system, and FQ-44 Fury unmanned fighter aircraft, highlighting advancements in defense capabilities.

Admiral Chester Nimitz led the U.S. Navy during World War II, notably after the attack on Pearl Harbor, restoring morale and achieving significant victories in the Pacific. He emphasized the Navy's role in carrying the war to the enemy to prevent battles on U.S. soil. Nimitz's leadership style and strategic decisions, including his involvement in the Battle of Midway, were pivotal in turning the tide of the war.

The US Air Force is preparing its bomber fleet, including 76 B-52H Stratofortresses, 45 B-1B Lancers, and 19 B-2 Spirits, for potential deployment in Yemen to support Saudi Arabia against the Houthis. The Air Force faces modernization challenges, with many programs running late or over budget, while the North Star Readiness Campaign aims to enhance the readiness of its aircraft. Yemen's dispersed Houthi forces complicate potential airstrike operations.

BAE Systems unveiled Shadow EW, a new family of electronic warfare payloads designed for small airborne platforms, enhancing situational awareness and self-defense capabilities. The solutions aim to improve mission effectiveness in contested environments and can be produced in large quantities at low cost. This development reflects the changing dynamics of modern warfare, particularly highlighted by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.