Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy's F-14 Tomcat, developed after the rejection of the F-111B, has gained renewed attention following the Senate's passage of the 'Maverick Act of 2026' to preserve surviving aircraft. This legislation aims to allow for potential commemorative flights of the F-14s, which were originally designed for fleet defense against Soviet bombers. The F-14 Tomcat, with 712 units built, entered service in the 1970s and was a significant advancement in naval aviation.

Anduril is set to deliver at least 3,000 Barracuda-500M cruise missiles to the U.S. Army starting in 2027, as part of a three-year procurement agreement. The missiles, designed for long-range strikes, will be produced at Anduril's new facility in Columbus, Ohio. U.S. Army officials stress the importance of developing low-cost munitions to adapt to modern warfare challenges.

The Lockheed YF-12A successfully fired a missile at a QB-47 target aircraft while traveling at Mach 3.2 and 75,000 feet during testing at Edwards Air Force Base in 1965. This aircraft was developed to intercept Soviet bombers using advanced radar and long-range missiles. Despite its capabilities, the operational variant, F-12B, was canceled due to changing military priorities.

The Lockheed YF-12A successfully fired a missile at a QB-47 target aircraft flying at 500 feet during a test at Edwards Air Force Base in 1965. The YF-12A, capable of Mach 3.2, was developed to intercept Soviet bombers using advanced radar and long-range missiles. Despite its capabilities, the operational variant was canceled due to changing military priorities.

The U.S. Air Force is revising its B-21 Raider procurement target, increasing it from 100 to potentially over 200 aircraft due to concerns about future military conflicts. This decision follows recent operations against Iran and growing recognition of the need for a larger stealth bomber fleet to address threats from adversaries like China. The revised target will be included in the FY2028 budget request, expected in spring 2027.

The U.S. Army conducted Project Flytrap in Lithuania, involving nearly 1,000 personnel to test tactics against drone swarms. Soldiers practiced counter-UAS strategies and integrated new drone technologies into their operations. The exercise highlighted the changing nature of warfare with the rise of inexpensive drones, prompting the Army to adapt its tactics and doctrine accordingly.

AIRO Group unveiled its new JC250 cargo and JX250 ISR VTOL drones in Detroit, featuring hybrid-electric propulsion and 'slowed rotor' technology. The drones are designed for military logistics and civilian use, with a first flight expected by the end of the year. They aim to provide flexible resupply capabilities in remote areas without charging infrastructure.

Japan is exploring the export of the Type 88 coastal anti-ship missile to the Philippines to enhance defense cooperation against Chinese military activities in the East and South China Seas. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has begun studying the export, following the Philippines' expressed interest. This move is part of Japan's broader strategy to strengthen military ties in the region, despite concerns over the missile's limited capabilities.

The UK Ministry of Defence has selected four companies, including BAE Systems and Anduril UK, to develop drone wingman aircraft for use with Apache attack helicopters as part of Project NYX. This initiative, backed by £10 million in funding, aims to create operational variants by 2030, enhancing military capabilities through innovative drone technology. The project reflects a strategic shift towards increased use of uncrewed and autonomous systems in military operations.

The U.S. Marine Corps conducted Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines from April 20 to May 8, involving over 2,000 personnel from the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment. They practiced seizing remote islands in the Luzon Strait, deploying NMESIS missile systems for simulated fire missions. The exercise emphasized collaboration with regional allies and included the use of advanced air defense systems to counter drone threats.

Russia is upgrading the Tu-160M Blackjack bomber with advanced technologies and armament, including up to 6 Kh-55SM cruise missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The upgrades aim to enhance the bomber's capabilities while the PAK DA stealth bomber is delayed. Rostec plans to produce 2 new Tu-160Ms annually, targeting a fleet of 10 by 2027.

Russia has designed the Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter to compete with the F-35 but has not produced any operational units. The aircraft's specifications suggest potential capabilities, yet it faces significant production challenges and lacks detailed information on its operational effectiveness. Concerns remain about Russia's ability to create a competitive 5th-generation fighter force.

Russia has designed the Su-75 Checkmate stealth fighter to compete with the F-35, but has not produced any operational units. The aircraft's specifications suggest potential capabilities, yet it remains uncertain due to a lack of detailed technological information and production challenges. Concerns persist regarding Russia's ability to create a competitive 5th-generation fighter force.

The U.S. Army has ordered rifle-mounted smart scopes from Smart Shooter to enhance its capabilities against small drones, with delivery expected between July and September 2023. This follows a previous order of over 200 scopes in March. The SMASH 2000LE systems utilize advanced fire control technology to detect and engage both ground and aerial threats, reflecting the Army's strategy to bolster drone defenses.

The U.S. Army plans to allocate nearly $1 billion for small counter unmanned aerial system technology in Fiscal Year 2027, significantly increasing its budget from the previous year. This funding will support various capabilities, including operational systems, logistics, and new weapon systems to enhance defense against drone threats. The budget reflects the Army's response to the growing use of inexpensive drones in modern warfare, particularly observed in conflicts like Ukraine.

Russia has made four significant modifications to the Kh-101 cruise missile since the start of the full-scale war. These changes enhance its use in hybrid salvos, reflecting ongoing developments in Russian military capabilities.

Russian forces launched a large-scale missile and drone strike on Kyiv on May 14, 2026, resulting in at least 24 civilian deaths and 48 injuries. This attack involved 56 missiles and 675 drones, highlighting a significant escalation in military operations despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. The strike followed a brief ceasefire and reflects the dual-track strategy of military escalation alongside diplomatic overtures. Ukraine's air defenses managed to intercept a portion of the incoming threats, but the effectiveness varied significantly between drone and missile types.

Dmitri VolkovFri May 15 2026Loading...

The ÇAMD mini-submarine successfully completed its initial dive tests off the coast of Karamürsel, Turkey, on April 14, 2026. This vessel is part of a series of indigenous underwater systems developed for the Turkish Navy, enhancing its operational capabilities. Other vessels mentioned include the Sinarit, Trança, Gurnard, and a Submarine Rescue Vehicle, all designed for various military applications.

Oves Enterprise unveiled the Sahara cruise missile at the BSDA 2026 defense expo in Bucharest from May 13-15, 2026. The missile, weighing 55 kilograms, is designed for precision strikes with an operational radius of 200 kilometers. It incorporates AI technology for target identification and guidance, representing a significant advancement in low-cost precision strike capabilities for Romania.

The British Army is investing £10 million to develop autonomous drones that will operate alongside Apache helicopters by 2030. Four companies, including Anduril Industries and BAE Systems, have been selected to compete for the contract. The NYX drones will enhance capabilities in reconnaissance and precision strikes while ensuring human control over weapon decisions. This initiative marks a significant step towards integrating autonomous systems into military operations.