Analysis & Reports

On September 3, 2023, Poland's Deputy Defense Minister announced that Poland is seeking to expand its participation in NATO's nuclear sharing framework. The discussions focus on Poland's involvement in tasks related to nuclear weapon transport, marking the first time Poland has advocated for this role. However, he emphasized that there are no plans to deploy nuclear warheads outside of existing NATO sites.

GE Aerospace is upgrading its manufacturing capabilities in Lynn to enhance production of military engines, including the T700 and T408. The company is also developing a hypersonic test bed for the HyCAT program, with the first flight planned for 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to meet increasing military demands and improve production efficiency.

AEVEX Corp. and Divergent Technologies announced a partnership to develop a new autonomous aircraft platform in California. The collaboration aims to integrate AEVEX's unmanned systems expertise with Divergent's 3D-printing technology to enhance production efficiency. Early efforts will focus on adaptable airframe designs and faster integration processes.

TYTAN Technologies demonstrated a new rocket-boosted interceptor drone to the German Federal Cabinet at Schloss Neuhardenberg on August 25-26, 2023. The system is designed for enhanced range and speed against aerial threats, responding to evolving drone threats observed in Ukraine. TYTAN's existing interceptors, including the EOS and METIS, are already deployed in Ukraine and other regions.

AZAK signed an Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Army's Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate in 2025 to field a wheel-centric robot system. The robot demonstrated the capability to tow a Palletized Load System truck and additional ammunition, showcasing its potential for military logistics. The agreement aims to expedite the transition of new technologies into operational use.

LeVanta Tech demonstrated its HALIA unmanned system at ANTX Coastal Trident in Port Hueneme, California, showcasing its capabilities to operate in air and water. The drone can fly, land on the ocean, and remain in a low-power mode for extended periods. It features a unique design with ducted fans and a modular payload bay for various military applications, including ISR missions. The company has secured funding and contracts from the Air Force for further development.

Seasats announced that its Quickfish interceptor-class unmanned surface vessel has entered production and is now available at scale. The Quickfish demonstrated its capabilities during the Silent Swarm 2026 exercise at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, where it operated alongside four other autonomous vessels. The Quickfish can reach speeds over 40 knots and is designed for long-duration missions with a modular payload bay for various unmanned aircraft.

The U.S. Army awarded AV a $464.8 million contract to produce 26 high-energy laser weapons under the Enduring High Energy Laser program. These 30 kilowatt LOCUST X3 systems are intended to counter low-cost weaponized drones and will be delivered over the next five years. This marks a significant advancement in the Army's directed energy capabilities, following successful demonstrations of the technology.

Kalashnikov Concern unveiled the AK-12+ assault rifle at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 1-4, 2023, announcing its preparation for serial production. The new weapon, designed for special forces, features enhancements for shooting precision and will include electro-optical sights. A cooperation agreement was signed with the Voin Center to develop engineering skills among youth.

American Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to produce machined components for the MCT-30 weapon system.

CSG Group will showcase their products at the MSPO trade fair in Kielce, Poland, in 2026. The MSPO event is recognized as a significant occasion in the defense sector, highlighting advancements and offerings in military technology.

Greece and Israel signed a contract on August 31, 2023, to develop a multi-layer air defense system named 'Achilles Shield'. This project, costing around 3 billion euros, aims to integrate Greece's existing Patriot systems with Israeli air defense technologies. The system is designed to defend against aircraft, drones, rockets, and ballistic missiles, and is expected to be completed within 35 months.

President Trump nominated Gao Xiong to officially become the U.S. Navy Secretary on September 1, 2023, amid concerns about Navy personnel's heavy workload during the Iran conflict. Gao, a 25-year Navy veteran, previously served as Deputy Secretary of the Navy. This nomination follows the unexpected departure of former Navy Secretary John Ferrell in April 2023.

The Ivan Papanin icebreaker patrol ship commenced its first Arctic voyage on September 1, 2023, as part of the Russian Northern Fleet. The naval group, which includes the Kondopoga landing ship, Pamir rescue tug, and Sergey Osipov tanker, will conduct exercises and ensure navigation safety along the Northern Sea Route. This operation highlights the ship's capabilities in harsh Arctic conditions and occurs amid rising tensions in the region.

Multiple U.S. aircraft carriers are undergoing long-term repairs and will not be combat-ready for several years. The USS George Washington has been redeployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, leaving the Western Pacific temporarily without U.S. carrier presence. The U.S. Navy currently has 11 aircraft carriers, with 4 deployed, while the USS Gerald R. Ford is also in repair after significant operational wear.

Japan is advancing the construction of new Aegis-equipped ships, enhancing its military capabilities under the guise of missile defense. The first ship is expected to launch in the 2026 fiscal year and enter service in 2027. This development reflects Japan's ambition to expand its military presence and capabilities, moving beyond the constraints of its pacifist constitution.

Iran reported 18 civilian deaths and 108 injuries from recent U.S. airstrikes, including casualties at a wedding near the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against U.S. assets in Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, and Iraq. The U.S. military confirmed 18 personnel killed and over 750 wounded. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over civilian casualties and called for an end to military actions.

The China Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan on September 3. This operation is part of a broader effort to enhance control in the region, which has been ongoing since August. The patrols aim to safeguard the rights and safety of Chinese citizens, including those in Taiwan.

On September 3, various military units of the Xinjiang Military District conducted commemorative activities to honor the 81st anniversary of the victory in the Anti-Japanese War and World Anti-Fascist War. Troops engaged in red education and training exercises at high altitudes, reinforcing their commitment to military readiness and honoring the legacy of fallen heroes.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base in Kuwait on September 3. The Kuwaiti military confirmed that they were responding to the attacks, which resulted in thick smoke at the site.