Analysis & Reports

Drones are utilizing 3D mapping data to navigate effectively in environments where GPS signals are contested. This technology, provided by Vantor, enhances the operational capabilities of drones in combat and logistics scenarios. The reliance on 3D mapping is a response to adversaries employing electronic warfare to disrupt GPS navigation.

Turkey is procuring 100 expendable unmanned surface vessels for its navy, as decided in February 2026. The vessels, produced by Aselsan, STM, and Havelsan, are designed for swarm attacks against maritime targets and support network-centric operations. The procurement was announced during the SAHA Expo 2026 in Izmir, Turkey.

GE Aerospace secured a three-year engine support contract to maintain T700-GE-T701D engines for the British Army's fleet of 50 AH-64E Apache helicopters at Wattisham Flying Station. This contract includes on-site support and is structured to align contractor incentives with military operational readiness. The T700 engine is critical for the Apache's performance and has a long history of reliability in military aviation.

Adm. Frank Bradley called for a reality check on the use of AI in military operations during the SOF Week conference in Tampa. He noted that few systems currently employ true AI and stressed the necessity of human oversight in lethal actions. Bradley emphasized the need for USSOCOM to have operators skilled in both technology and combat.

U.S. Marines demonstrated a new tactic using UH-1Y Venom helicopters as airborne command posts to control Neros Archer FPV drones during a recent exercise in California. This method allows for extended operational range and enhances crew safety by keeping helicopters at a distance from potential threats. The exercise validated the effectiveness of pairing drones with manned aircraft, reflecting lessons learned from Ukraine's battlefield experience.

The U.S. Army evaluated the Disruptor kamikaze drone during the Arcane Thunder 26 exercise from April 6 to April 29, 2026, at Fort Irwin, California. This drone, part of AEVEX Aerospace's Phoenix Ghost program, demonstrated its capabilities, including a range of up to 1,400 kilometers and a payload of 22.5 kilograms. The exercise marked a significant public reveal of the drone, which had previously operated under deep classification.

The U.S. INDOPACOM Mission Network was operationally tested during the Balikatan 2026 military exercise in the Philippines, integrating forces from the U.S., Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and the Philippines. The exercise focused on command and control operations, utilizing various military equipment including Tomahawk missiles and HIMARS. A Combined Coordination Center was established to enhance coalition data-sharing and operational effectiveness.

Marcus ChenThu May 21 2026Loading...

FN Herstal introduced the FN MAG® TACTICAL with Long Rail on 21 May 2026 in Herstal, Belgium. This new variant of the FN MAG® GPMG features a Long Rail Conversion Kit that enhances optics and ergonomics, ensuring its continued dominance on the battlefield. The FN MAG® GPMG is widely used by 90 nations and is designed for the 7.62x51mm NATO cartridge, with improvements that allow for better aiming and user interface.

The Russian Strategic Rocket Forces successfully launched the RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile from Dombarovsky on May 12, 2026. This marks the second successful test of the missile, which is intended to replace the aging RS-20V Voevoda. The missile is reported to have a range exceeding 35,000 kilometers and can carry multiple nuclear warheads. The test follows a series of failures and is a critical step in Russia's nuclear modernization efforts.

Survice Engineering is developing hybrid-powered drones for military applications, aiming to demonstrate them to defense customers by late summer or early fall. The U.S. Navy has requested 40 amphibious ships, with plans to increase production of mobile data centers by Armada, which secured $230 million in funding. The Pentagon is focusing on drone acquisition to enhance military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Ukrainian forces tested the Hornet strike drone launched from a tethered aerostat at 8 kilometers altitude, significantly extending its operational range. The drone, which can now reportedly strike targets up to 300 kilometers away, was used to target Russian supply routes in the Donetsk region. The test demonstrated the drone's efficiency, consuming only 5% of its battery during transit, allowing for effective deep strikes against logistics.

Canada signed two contract amendments on May 15, 2023, committing $1.15 billion to upgrade and maintain its CC-130J Hercules fleet. The amendments include a $462 million extension of the maintenance contract and a $684 million avionics upgrade, ensuring the aircraft remain operational and compliant with current standards. This investment supports 620 jobs and contributes significantly to Canada's GDP.

The Turkish Navy signed contracts for a second batch of Zaha marine assault vehicles and increased orders for PARS tactical wheeled armored vehicles at SAHA Expo in Istanbul. The contracts will enhance the capabilities of the Turkish Navy, Land Forces, and Gendarmerie, with FNSS doubling its production capacity to meet the demand. The new vehicles will incorporate updated subsystems to improve functionality and replace imported components with domestic systems.

The U.S. Air Force published a sources sought notice on May 20, 2026, to identify industrial capacity for the production of the AGM-181 Long Range Standoff nuclear cruise missile. The program aims to replace the aging AGM-86B missile, with plans to procure 1,087 units. Responses from potential producers are due by June 10, 2026, as the Air Force prepares for a production decision in fiscal year 2027.

The U.S. Army awarded Honeywell International a $249 million contract for the maintenance and overhaul of T-55 turboshaft engines used in the CH-47 Chinook helicopter fleet. This three-year contract, announced by the Department of War, aims to ensure the operational readiness of the Chinook engines and prevent maintenance gaps. The T-55 engine program has been in service since the 1960s, with over 6,000 units built.

The U.S. Navy awarded Bollinger Shipyards a $95 million contract modification to support the construction of Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue Ships, with work split between Houma, Louisiana, and Pascagoula, Mississippi. Completion is expected by January 2030, as the Navy aims to accelerate production to replace aging vessels. The Navajo-class ships will serve multiple roles, including submarine rescue and humanitarian assistance.

SIATT delivered the first production batch of MAX 1.2 AC anti-tank guided missiles to the Brazilian Army in Formosa, Goiás, on May 14, 2026. This marks the transition of the domestically designed missile into a fielded weapon, produced at SIATT's new facility in Caçapava, São Paulo. The MAX 1.2 AC is a laser-guided missile with significant armor penetration capabilities, enhancing the Brazilian Army's anti-tank capabilities.

The new two-seat version of the Su-57 fighter jet, potentially named T-50D, has been unveiled and is currently undergoing ground taxi tests at Zhukovsky. This variant is intended for pilot training and may also serve combat roles, integrating with unmanned aerial vehicles for enhanced operational efficiency. The design features a tandem cockpit, improving visibility for the rear seat pilot.

Germany is temporarily deploying a Patriot air defense missile system to Turkey, involving 150 soldiers from the German Armed Forces. This deployment aims to enhance NATO's air defense capabilities in the southeastern region and is expected to begin in late June and conclude in September. This marks the first deployment of German Patriot systems to Turkey since 2015.

Indonesia continues to enhance its defense capabilities by acquiring new military equipment, including 6 Dassault Rafale fighter jets, as part of a larger procurement deal for 42 jets. President Prabowo Subianto stated the importance of strengthening national defense to form a deterrent force. The recent deliveries occurred on January 18 and May 18, 2023, at an air force base in Jakarta.