Analysis & Reports

The USS Iowa and other Iowa-class battleships underwent significant upgrades in the 1980s, incorporating advanced weaponry such as Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, USS Missouri launched 28 Tomahawk missiles against Iraqi targets, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of these vessels. The upgrades included the installation of Phalanx Close-In Weapon Systems and the removal of older gun mounts to accommodate modern missile systems.

Twenty-Six Defense, the U.S. subsidiary of Israeli-based Elbit Systems, rebranded to emphasize its American-made products and commitment to U.S. warfighters. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, the company employs 3,300 people and has secured over $370 million in contracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This rebranding occurs in the context of shifting American support following the recent conflict involving Hamas and Israel.

Elbit Systems' U.S. subsidiary rebranded as Twenty-Six Defense in October 2023, emphasizing its commitment to American-made defense products. The company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, employs 3,300 people and has secured over $370 million in contracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This rebranding comes amid divided American support following recent conflicts involving Israel.

Elbit Systems' U.S. subsidiary rebranded as Twenty-Six Defense in October 2023, highlighting its commitment to American-made products and support for U.S. warfighters. The company, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, employs 3,300 people and has secured over $370 million in contracts from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The rebranding comes amid divided American support following recent conflicts involving Israel and Gaza.

The Ukrainian Air Force currently operates F-16 and Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft, with additional F-16s from Belgium and JAS-39C/Ds from Sweden expected next year. Ukrainian defense officials express a preference for the JAS-39 Gripen due to its superior supportability and maintenance autonomy compared to the F-16. Training for Ukrainian pilots on the advanced JAS-39E is already underway, with plans for local production of aircraft in Ukraine.

Houthi forces launched ballistic missile and drone attacks on the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jizan on September 9. Earlier that day, the coalition reported conducting numerous airstrikes against Houthi positions in Marib, Al-Jawf, and Taiz provinces in Yemen.

Lt. Gen. Steven Marks warned that the Defense Autonomous Working Group (DAWG) may face significant setbacks if it does not receive the nearly $54 billion requested in the FY27 budget. He highlighted the importance of funding for maintaining momentum in drone development, particularly in light of global military developments. Marks noted that without adequate funding, the U.S. risks falling behind in drone capabilities compared to adversaries.

The U.S. Army is updating its biodefense strategy to prepare for biological threats, particularly those enhanced by AI, by 2035. This includes the development of portable genetic-sequencing kits for field analysis and a focus on adapting military operations to bio-contested environments. The strategy aims to address shortcomings revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the importance of AI in both detecting and countering biological threats.

General Dynamics Land Systems will complete deliveries of 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks to Poland by the end of 2026, with ongoing shipments since May 2025. The tanks, along with additional armored vehicles, are being fielded with Poland's 18th Mechanized Division. This procurement is part of Poland's broader military modernization efforts following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Northrop Grumman announced the development of the PGK E5, an anti-jam GPS-guided artillery kit, on September 9, 2023. This new version enhances accuracy in GPS-degraded conditions and maintains compatibility with existing artillery systems. The U.S. Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth $863 million for the production of M1156 kits, with over 100,000 units already built since 2013.

Boeing has advanced to the next phase of developing a new interceptor missile for the U.S. Army's Integrated Fires Protection Capability air defense system, collaborating with Anduril Industries for the solid rocket motor. This interceptor aims to enhance defense against cruise missiles and drones, filling a critical gap in the Army's layered air defense. The announcement was made on September 9, confirming Boeing's progress in the competition against other defense contractors.

In 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler simulated the shootdown of a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The Growler, equipped with AN/ALQ-99 jammers, successfully executed a simulated AIM-120 kill, prompting the pilot to paint an F-22 silhouette on his cockpit. This incident highlighted the capabilities of the Growler despite its fourth-generation status compared to the fifth-generation F-22.

The Army transitioned the 3rd Battalion of the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment back to a conventional infantry battalion in August 2023 after it was designated as an unmanned systems battalion earlier in the year. Army officials emphasized that this decision does not indicate a reduction in focus on drones and autonomous systems, despite concerns raised by lawmakers regarding the implications for learning from allies like the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

The EA-18G Growler is deployed by the U.S. Navy for electronic warfare in the Middle East, particularly to jam Iranian radar systems. It costs over $112 million when fully equipped, including advanced jamming pods. The Growler plays a critical role in ensuring safe operations for U.S. strike aircraft in contested airspace.

A Chinese Chengdu J-20 stealth fighter was filmed flying in 'beast mode' over China in 2024, carrying 8 PL-15 missiles on external hardpoints and 6 additional missiles internally. This configuration compromises its stealth capabilities but allows for a significant weapons loadout. The J-20 is China's most advanced fighter jet, designed mainly for air superiority.

Turkey developed the TAI Kaan, a fifth-generation fighter aircraft, to reduce reliance on the U.S. after being expelled from the F-35 program in 2019. The first prototype flew in February 2024, powered by two General Electric F110 engines. Indonesia has agreed to purchase 48 units, showcasing confidence in Turkey's military capabilities. The Kaan aims to achieve operational independence while still relying on U.S. technology for its engines.

WB Group unveiled the Warmate 30 drone in Kielce, Poland, designed for long-range engagement of high-value targets. The drone integrates with the Gladius reconnaissance-strike system and is set for mass production. The Polish Army has received four Gladius fire modules, with a contract for 12 more signed for future delivery. The Warmate 30 features a 30kg warhead and a range of approximately 250km.

Lockheed Martin Australia has been awarded a $950 million AUD contract to enhance the AIR6500 joint air battle management system, improving Australia's air and missile defense capabilities. This project will integrate various defense platforms, including the F-35A Lightning II and NASAMS, into a unified defense framework. The Australian Department of Defence announced this as part of a larger $2.4 billion AUD investment to modernize air surveillance and defense operations.

Ukraine is procuring approximately 1000 Patriot missiles through EU loans, with most deliveries expected in several years. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are requesting urgent military aid from Western partners to bolster air defense capabilities amid ongoing Russian attacks on Kyiv. NATO Secretary General emphasized the need for increased support to help Ukraine seize current opportunities on the battlefield.

Elbit Systems has rebranded its U.S. arm as Twenty-Six Defense, headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. The company, which employs 3,300 people across 10 states, aims to enhance support for U.S. warfighters through domestic design and manufacturing. This rebranding reflects its commitment to the American market and includes a focus on electronic systems, drones, and ground combat systems.