Analysis & Reports

Army leaders announced plans to host commercial data centers at Fort Bliss, Dugway Proving Ground, Fort Bragg, and Fort Hood to mitigate public backlash. They aim to engage with local communities and military families during the agreement phase of these projects, which are intended to support both civilian and military needs. The Army has noted significant public opposition to similar projects in civilian areas.

The U.S. Army is developing high-energy laser counter-drone weapons, with the first unit expected to be operational by early 2028. AeroVironment has been awarded a $464.8 million contract for the LOCUST X3 system, which will be delivered by Q4 of FY 2027. The Army aims to enhance its capabilities against unmanned aircraft systems, having already demonstrated successful engagements with a prototype.

USS Triton (SSRN-586) completed the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe in February 1960 under Captain Edward L. Beach Jr. The submarine, powered by two Westinghouse S4G nuclear reactors, was decommissioned on May 3, 1969, after less than a decade of service and was later scrapped. Triton was notable for its size, speed, and advanced technology for its time, including six torpedo tubes and air-search radar.

The 2026 AUSA trade show in Washington, D.C. featured a wide array of military technologies, including drones and counter-drone systems. The Ukrainian military showcased small drones, while various defense contractors displayed advanced equipment such as amphibious robots and thermal weapons sights. Notable participants included General Atomics and Hanwha Aerospace, highlighting innovations in unmanned systems.

Anduril Industries announced the release of the Steelfin family of surface-to-air interceptor missiles, designed for mass production and adaptable to various threats. The company plans to produce several thousand variants annually, compatible with existing launch systems and fire control software. This initiative aims to bolster air defense capabilities following the depletion of U.S. munitions after the Iran war. Additionally, Anduril secured a $162.8 million contract from the U.S. Army to enhance command and control systems.

Lockheed Martin is exploring partnerships to produce PAC-3 Patriot interceptors in Europe to meet Ukraine's defense needs against Russian threats. Discussions have intensified following promises made to Ukraine for local production. The company is considering Germany as a production site, potentially partnering with Diehl Defence, while assessing the risks of establishing facilities in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict.

General Dynamics showcased the Wolf XM30, a candidate to replace the M2 Bradley, along with the PERCH 2.0, M-SHORAD Increment 4, and F600 Leonidas at the AUSA annual meeting this week. The Army is currently testing the PERCH 2.0 prototype at Fort Hood, Texas, which enables tanks to launch loitering munitions while keeping operators protected. The M-SHORAD Increment 4 aims to enhance air-defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army is developing three prototypes of the HADES spy plane, with the first expected to be delivered by January 2027. However, production plans are jeopardized by delays in the approval of the 2027 budget, as lawmakers have not yet passed the necessary spending bill. A senior defense official warned that the continuing resolution complicates the Army's ability to move forward with production.

The U.S. Army announced the creation of the U.S. Army Futures and Autonomous Systems Command (FASCOM) on October 1, 2023, to oversee autonomous systems. This initiative includes a new acquisition office focused on prioritizing the purchase of autonomous systems by fiscal 2028. Additionally, the Army is working to integrate these systems into various military units and is establishing the Autonomous Warfare Command (AutoWarCom) by October 1, 2027, to enhance military capabilities.

Sig Sauer is developing specialized suppressors to reduce toxic gas blowback for military use, particularly for training and combat scenarios. The company aims to achieve a 70% reduction in toxic gas emissions, responding to health concerns raised by U.S. Special Operations Command. This initiative follows a $48 million contract awarded in 2017 and involves advanced manufacturing techniques to create effective suppressor designs. The Army has yet to request a combination of training and combat suppressors, but Sig Sauer is prepared to meet future demands.

The 11th Airborne Division is actively training soldiers for operations in extreme cold conditions in Alaska, emphasizing leadership and trust. Maj. Gen. John Cogbill highlights the need for specialized equipment and tactics, including the Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicle and drones, to adapt to Arctic warfare. The division collaborates with academic partners to address engineering challenges and maintains a focus on operational readiness and power projection in the region.

DARPA awarded Abram Scientific an $8.3 million contract to develop CoagCare, a handheld device for rapid blood clotting assessment, announced on October 13, 2025. This device aims to enhance trauma care for wounded troops by providing quick information on blood clotting, crucial for transfusion decisions in battlefield conditions. The project is part of DARPA's broader RAPIID initiative to improve medical technology for military applications.

Leonardo DRS received a $63 million production order from the U.S. Army for its Family of Weapon Sights–Individual (FWS-I) on October 13. The FWS-I is a clip-on thermal sight that wirelessly connects to soldiers' night vision goggles, improving target acquisition and situational awareness. This order is part of an existing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for thermal weapon sights used by dismounted troops.

Israel Aerospace Industries and SIG SAUER conducted a live-fire test of the FIRE STORM 250 drone in Washington on October 13. The drone, equipped with the M250 machine gun, demonstrated its targeting capabilities and accuracy during the trial. Designed for small tactical units, it offers close air support and border security with a flight endurance of up to three hours.

Appian Capital Advisory hired retired Rear Adm. John Meier as a senior advisor to enhance defense supply chains for critical minerals. The firm announced plans to invest $2.5 billion over five years and opened a base in Washington, D.C. This move aims to address the growing demand for minerals essential for military hardware, especially in light of China's export controls on rare earths.

The 101st Airborne Division is preparing for large-scale air assaults, expected to deploy 1,500 to 2,500 soldiers. They are incorporating new technologies and training for Large-Scale, Long-Range Air Assault (L2A2) operations. The division will receive the MV-75 Cheyenne aircraft in 2025 and has expanded its helicopter capabilities with additional CH-47s. Training exercises have included the use of the MV-22 Osprey to simulate future operations.

USS Thresher (SSN-593) sank off Cape Cod on April 10, 1963, during deep-dive tests, resulting in the loss of 129 personnel. A chain of failures, including a brazed pipe joint that allowed seawater to flood the engine room, led to reactor scram and loss of control. The incident prompted the U.S. Navy to reevaluate submarine safety and establish the SUBSAFE program to enhance construction and maintenance standards.

Teledyne FLIR Defense unveiled the Ranger R10-3DX, a compact counter-UAS radar system, in Washington. This radar is designed for various missions, including counter-drone operations and security, capable of detecting threats at significant distances. It employs advanced technology for tracking multiple targets and can be installed in fixed or mobile configurations.

Northrop Grumman and Barrett Firearms announced their collaboration to manufacture a 25 mm grenade launcher for the Precision Grenadier System during the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington on October 12, 2023. This system is designed to enable infantry squads to effectively target enemies behind cover and engage small drones. Barrett will produce the launcher in Nashville, while Northrop Grumman leads the overall system development and ammunition production.

MARTAC integrated SEA.AI's maritime machine vision system into its unmanned surface vessels, enhancing their ability to autonomously classify and monitor other vessels. This integration was announced on October 13, 2023, and is part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to improve operational capabilities in surveillance and security missions. The Devil Ray T38 successfully completed an eight-day autonomous mission off California, demonstrating the effectiveness of this technology in real-world scenarios.