Analysis & Reports

The U.S. military is beginning to adopt unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) following Ukraine's lead, with over $115 million committed for UGV projects in fiscal 2026. Ukraine has ordered more than 22,000 UGVs for logistics and combat roles. The U.S. Marine Corps is developing UGVs for naval strike missions, while the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment is acquiring IBEX UGVs for logistics and counter-UAV defense.

The US Air Force has divested its three A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, which were deemed unsuitable for the Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The aircraft were previously acquired by Air Force Special Operations Command but were off-loaded due to changing mission requirements. The Air Force is now exploring future options for a sustainable aircraft and plans to contract SNC for their storage.

The U.S. Air Force is soliciting the defense industry for the development of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a new cruise missile intended for Ukraine. The missile is designed to be a 500-pound class weapon with a range exceeding 250 nautical miles and is part of a broader initiative to expedite weapon production. The Air Force aims to have the first ERAMs delivered within three months of contract award, with a total of over 1,000 units planned.

US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) awarded a $13.8 million contract to Aeon Industrial for the production of less than 100 shoulder-fired Zeus missile systems, designed for urban environments. The modular weapon allows operators to quickly adapt its capabilities in the field. This contract represents a significant advancement in the development and delivery of the Zeus system, which has undergone extensive testing and development.

A wing-flapping drone, the O1 ornithopter, successfully evaded detection during the U.S. Air Force's 'Game of Drones' exercise in the Mojave Desert on September 17, 2026. The drone mimics bird flight mechanics, allowing it to blend into its environment and avoid sensor detection. It can fly up to 10 kilometers and is designed for intelligence collection and surveillance missions.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy will conduct a technology demonstration for battlefield cargo drones in Huntsville, Alabama, from January 25 to February 5, 2027. This event will showcase the Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS), which aims to enhance logistics support for small units. The drones will perform multiple flights, demonstrating their ability to transport payloads autonomously under various conditions.

The first F-16 Block 72 aircraft flew from Lockheed Martin's Greenville facility in South Carolina on October 6, 2023. The Royal Moroccan Air Force has ordered 25 of these advanced fighters, which will be equipped with the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, with no upgrades planned for the existing Block 52+ fleet.

Leidos is coordinating a nationwide supplier network in the United States to enhance the production of its Low-Cost Containerised Missile (LCCM) and AGM-190A Havoc Spear cruise missile programs.

Raytheon won a contract from DARPA on November 3 to develop photonic circuits under the PICASSO program. This technology aims to enhance military capabilities by processing signals with light, improving response times and situational awareness. The program will unfold in two phases, focusing on circuit-level methods and specific functions.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is producing the FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, with initial production underway. The Gambit Series of Uncrewed Aerial Combat Vehicles is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters, addressing modern air defense threats. Gambit 6, optimized for European needs, will be available for international procurement starting in 2027, enhancing military capabilities against advanced threats.

Perseus Defense successfully tested its low-cost Harpe missile against a multirotor drone at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, on November 2, 2025. The missile is designed to be affordable and attritable, with a target price below $10,000 per shot. This test marks a significant step in counter-drone capabilities, as the company aims to provide effective solutions against inexpensive drones.

Auriga Space is advancing hypersonic weapons technology through its Prometheus accelerator in California, collaborating with the U.S. Air Force and Missile Defense Agency. The company launched a commercial service for testing materials under real weather conditions and is developing a larger system called Thor for more extensive testing capabilities. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and frequency of hypersonic testing in the U.S.

Iran fired a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile at the USS George Washington, while the U.S. Navy maintains three aircraft carriers in the Middle East. In April 2005, the Navy conducted tests on the decommissioned USS America to assess its sinking capabilities, revealing that sinking a carrier is challenging. However, the primary threat lies in preventing carriers from launching aircraft, highlighting the effectiveness of Iran's missile and drone capabilities.

Adm. Daryl Caudle inspected the Blackbeard hypersonic missile at Naval Air Station Patuxent River on October 28, 2023. The U.S. Navy is preparing to integrate this missile with its F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, with plans for live-fire tests in the Indo-Pacific. The Navy has ordered 444 missiles and aims for early operational capability.

The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital has agreed to lend Neros $450 million to expand drone production in Torrance, California. Neros will invest an additional $165 million, aiming to produce up to 1 million drones annually by 2028. The Archer attack drone, which complies with U.S. defense procurement law, is part of this initiative, with a significant contract to supply 6,000 drones to Ukraine by early 2025.

The U.S. military deployed high-energy laser weapons and air defense assets around President Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, at the request of the Secret Service. This marks the first known instance of the Pentagon using laser weapons to protect a sitting president. The deployment includes the 20-kilowatt Army Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser (AMP-HEL) and U.S. Army Avenger vehicles armed with Stinger missiles.

The U.S. Navy received its 1,000th Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Block 2 in September 2025, marking a significant milestone for the NATO SEASPARROW Consortium. This missile, designed for ship defense, enhances naval capabilities against various aerial threats. Raytheon, the prime contractor, continues to produce these missiles in Tucson, Arizona, with contracts extending through 2030.

The U.S. Army tested the VICTOR drone, powered by a 3D-printed rotary engine using jet fuel, near Huntsville, Alabama, in 2026. This drone is part of a multiyear research program aimed at enhancing the range and endurance of unmanned aircraft. The program involved collaboration with various universities and companies, focusing on advanced manufacturing techniques.

Leonardo DRS will supply power, cooling, and vehicle integration hardware for the U.S. Army’s first production laser weapon, the LOCUST X3, designed to shoot down small drones. The contract, awarded to AeroVironment, is valued at $464.8 million and aims to deliver dozens of systems over the next few years. DRS will provide essential systems to ensure the laser can operate effectively on military vehicles.

Oshkosh Defense announced a partnership with Grid Aero to manufacture thousands of Lifter military drones in Wisconsin. This collaboration aims to leverage Oshkosh's manufacturing capabilities and Grid Aero's innovative design to meet Defense Department needs. The Lifter, an autonomous aircraft, is designed for modular payload capacity and is expected to enter low-rate production soon.