Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is considering the potential upgrades for the F-14 Tomcat 21 'Super', which could include lasers and hypersonic missiles. The aircraft's legacy design allows for significant enhancements, maintaining its relevance in modern combat. The F-14's advanced radar and missile systems enable it to engage targets at long ranges, and its variable-sweep wing design enhances its versatility in various roles.

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) underwent modernization in Pascagoula, MS, integrating Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic missiles. This upgrade enhances the destroyer's capabilities, allowing it to strike targets over 1,700 miles away. The U.S. Navy aims to have all three Zumwalt-class ships equipped with this advanced weaponry by 2026, transforming them into potent long-range strike platforms.

Diehl Defence opened a new missile integration centre in Nonnweiler, Saarland, on 23 January 2026, creating 3,400 m² of production space. This facility will enhance the company's capacity for integrating IRIS-T missile variants. The expansion is part of a broader growth initiative, with an investment of approximately EUR 1.5 billion, driven by increased demand from NATO countries following the Ukraine War.

Defense contractors in the United States, including RTX and Lockheed Martin, prioritized stock buybacks and dividends over production investments in 2024, returning 98% of their free cash flow to investors. RTX led with $3.2 billion in dividends, while Lockheed Martin repurchased $3.7 billion in stock. Boeing, facing negative cash flow, did not issue dividends or buy back stock but increased its internal investments.

The U.S. Air Force continues to operate the F-117 Nighthawk in Nevada for training exercises, simulating enemy stealth fighters. This use persists despite the aircraft's retirement from combat in 2008, with plans to maintain its operational status until at least 2034. The F-117 serves as a valuable tool for pilot training and testing anti-air systems against low-observable threats.

The Pentagon established a permanent agency for managing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) processes at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, effective May 1, 2025. This agency will oversee logistics for over 300,000 service members and civilians annually, requiring significant investments in new information technology systems. The previous Global Household Goods contract was canceled, prompting the need for a new approach to managing military relocations.

The U.S. Army tested the Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) data layer prototype at Schofield Barracks this week, involving the 25th Infantry Division. This test is part of the Lightning Surge initiative aimed at enhancing decision-making through AI integration. Lockheed Martin is developing the data layer to improve command and control capabilities, with future events planned to further refine these systems.

The U.S. Army tested the NGC2 data layer prototype at Schofield Barracks this week, focusing on enhancing command and control capabilities through AI. This test is part of the Lightning Surge initiative, which aims to improve decision-making speed and data accessibility for the 25th Infantry Division. Lockheed Martin is involved in developing this integrated data layer, with future events planned to further advance these capabilities.

Congress increased funding for the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter program to $972 million for 2026, reviving its development. The F/A-XX aims to enhance stealth and range capabilities to counter China's expanding military fleet. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are the primary contractors, with the program reflecting growing concerns over Chinese advancements in fifth and sixth-generation aircraft.

President Trump announced a 10% tariff on U.S. imports from various European countries on 17 January, in response to opposition to U.S. control over Greenland. This action may impact the European defense industry and U.S.-European relations.

Denmark's Ministry of Defense announced that military exercises named 'Arctic Resolve' are ongoing in Greenland, starting January 23, 2023, and will continue until the end of 2026. Troops from NATO countries, including Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, are participating in these exercises.

The U.S. Navy has cancelled its next-generation DDG(X) destroyer program to focus on the Trump-class battleship, which displaces over 35,000 tons and is designed to carry advanced weaponry. Critics warn that the estimated cost of $8-10 billion per hull is unsustainable and that the centralized battleship concept contradicts modern naval strategies. The program is in the design phase, with construction of the lead ship projected to begin in the early 2030s.

The U.S. Navy has unveiled plans for the Trump-class battleship, which will feature advanced weaponry such as railguns, lasers, and hypersonic missiles. The fleet is expected to consist of 15 to 25 ships, designed to deliver precision-guided lethality. Rear Adm. Derek Trinque highlighted that these ships represent a modern evolution of naval warfare, moving beyond traditional WWII-era designs.

The B-36 Peacemaker was developed by the U.S. during World War II to strike Europe directly from North America. It entered service in 1948 with the U.S. Air Force's Strategic Air Command and was the largest piston-engine aircraft ever built, capable of carrying heavy bomb loads over long distances. The aircraft played a crucial role in U.S. nuclear deterrence until its retirement in 1959.

NATO is preparing for a potential Arctic mission but has not begun planning due to a lack of political guidance. European NATO members have proposed increasing presence in the Arctic to counter Russian and Chinese threats. NATO officials emphasize the importance of military readiness and capability enhancement in the region, with several exercises planned in the coming months.

NATO is preparing for a potential Arctic mission but has not begun planning due to a lack of political guidance. European NATO members have proposed an increased presence in the Arctic to counter potential threats from Russia and China. The organization is aware of the changing security dynamics in the region and has several military exercises planned for the coming months.

NATO allies, led by the UK and Scandinavian countries, currently manage Arctic military operations as U.S. forces struggle with limited training and equipment. Recent exercises revealed that Finnish reservists outperformed American troops in Arctic conditions, prompting concerns about U.S. military readiness in the region. The U.S. remains dependent on European allies for advanced ice-breaking technology and operational knowledge.

The U.S. Air Force conducted Exercise Dragon Shield at Beale Air Force Base in 2026, testing the 9th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron's ability to launch and recover U-2 Dragon Lady aircraft under simulated contested conditions. Airmen operated in protective gear, focusing on maintaining safety and speed while preparing for intelligence missions. The exercise highlighted the importance of ISR capabilities in high-threat environments and the need for effective coordination among maintenance crews and aircrew.

Danish soldiers have been deployed to Greenland with live ammunition and specific orders to engage in combat if the U.S. unexpectedly attacks. This unusual readiness state includes the use of KUP ammunition, typically reserved for responding to coups or hostile invasions. The deployment reflects Denmark's precautionary measures in light of potential threats.

U.S. Central Command awarded a contract to Raft on January 22 for the deployment of the Raft AI Mission System (R)AIMS, designed for battlefield operations. The system enables military units to build and deploy computer vision models in real time, enhancing operational capabilities. It integrates with existing military systems and supports various mission scenarios, addressing key gaps in military AI applications.