Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is adapting its drone combat doctrine and training based on insights from global conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill emphasized the transformative impact of drones on military operations during the Army's Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama. He noted that while drones enhance capabilities, the need for skilled human pilots remains critical.

The U.S. Army is adapting its drone combat doctrine and training based on lessons learned from global conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill emphasized the transformative impact of drones on military operations during the Army's Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama. The Army is developing a new database system, Project Victor, to enhance access to drone operation information for soldiers.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes in eastern Lebanon's Beqaa Valley and near Sidon on February 20, 2023, resulting in at least 8 deaths and numerous injuries. The Beqaa Valley strike caused 6 fatalities and 25 injuries, while the Ain Helweh refugee camp saw 2 additional deaths. The injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard won the Best Innovation award at the U.S. Army's inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. They developed Project RED, a drone equipped with a claw to retrieve downed drones, utilizing artificial intelligence to distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft. The team was recognized for their innovative design and received additional support from the Army Research Laboratory for further improvements.

The Army National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division won the Best Innovation award at the U.S. Army’s inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. They developed Project RED, a drone designed to retrieve downed unmanned aircraft using a robotic claw. The team received recognition and support from Army leadership, highlighting their innovative capabilities.

Israeli Defense Forces conducted airstrikes on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, Lebanon, targeting a Hamas command center on October 20. This facility was reportedly used by Hamas to prepare for attacks against Israeli forces in Lebanon. No response from Hamas has been reported.

Pratt & Whitney unveiled an update on the XA103 adaptive-cycle engine, revealing a notional design of the F-47 fighter, part of the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance program, on February 17, 2026. The design emphasizes extreme stealth and maneuverability, with Boeing selected to develop the aircraft in March 2025. The first flight is scheduled for 2028, aiming to maintain U.S. air superiority against advanced adversaries.

In February 2026, Canada confirmed it is making payments for 14 additional F-35 aircraft, raising its total commitment to 30 jets. This decision comes amid a strategic review of its defense policy, which may lead to a mixed fleet of F-35s and Saab Gripen fighters to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on U.S. defense supplies. The government aims to address geopolitical tensions while maintaining military readiness.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to develop an autonomous boom system for the KC-390 tanker in Melbourne, Florida, with an investment of over $500 million. This system aims to enhance the KC-390's refueling capabilities for a wider range of aircraft, including U.S. Air Force models. The KC-390 is already in use by several countries and is compliant with U.S. defense regulations, indicating strong market potential.

The U.S. Air Force deployed 16 aging E-3 Sentry aircraft to the Middle East this week, highlighting the urgent need for a replacement. The E-7 Wedgetail is planned to replace the E-3, with the first units expected by 2027, but its future remains uncertain after the Pentagon attempted to cancel the program. Retired military leaders have urged Congress to support the E-7, emphasizing the E-3's critical role in air operations.

The U.S. Air Force is preparing to approve the production of the T-7 Red Hawk training jet within days, following years of delays. The first operational capability is targeted for November 2027, with two aircraft already delivered to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Boeing is committed to the program, which aims to replace the aging T-38 Talon.

Seaman Apprentice Joshua Jones was found dead in his barracks at the U.S. Navy Surface Combat Systems Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, on February 8, 2025. The Lake County Coroner's Office reported he was discovered unresponsive at 11:30 a.m. The cause of death is currently unknown, with investigations ongoing, and suicide is not suspected. The Navy is providing grief counseling services to support personnel during this time.

Teledyne Continental Motors developed the Super M60 main battle tank prototype in 1978 to enhance the M60 series against modern anti-tank threats. The prototype featured a 1,200 hp engine and advanced armor but failed to attract export customers, resulting in only one unit being built. The program was ultimately sidelined by the end of the Cold War.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has undergone significant upgrades, including the integration of the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, enhancing its capabilities for air defense and interception. These upgrades extend its service life to 12,000 hours and improve its multi-role versatility. The aircraft remains operationally viable and is utilized by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations for various missions, despite its lack of stealth compared to newer models like the F-35.

In early 2026, the U.S. Air Force's B-1B Lancer bombers are being upgraded to a 'Super Bomber' configuration, enhancing their missile capacity by 50% to carry up to 31 long-range standoff weapons. This transformation is part of a $50 million budget initiative aimed at countering advanced air defense systems from China and Russia. The B-1B will continue to play a crucial role in U.S. military operations until the B-21 Raider becomes fully operational in the 2030s.

Between 2008 and 2011, U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor pilots reported hypoxia-like symptoms, prompting investigations and a fleet grounding. A faulty valve in the Combat Edge pressure vest was identified as the main issue, leading to operational limits and safety measures. The Air Force has since modernized the F-22, ensuring its viability through the 2030s.

The U.S. Navy plans to phase out its original physical training uniform (PTU) in 2027, replacing it with a newer uniform featuring blue shirts and shorts. This decision follows sailor feedback indicating a preference for the new design, which is expected to reduce uniform costs and improve fit. The transition to the new uniform will begin in 2027, depending on production schedules.

Austal Defence Australia has been awarded a $4 billion contract to build eight Landing Craft Heavy vessels for the Australian military at Henderson, Western Australia. Construction is set to begin later this year, with the last vessel expected to be delivered in 2038. These vessels will significantly enhance Australia's amphibious capabilities and support humanitarian efforts.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) has transitioned from a failed littoral gunship to a primary platform for global hypersonic strike after removing its Advanced Gun System. The destroyer successfully completed sea trials in early 2026 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, and is now equipped with the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, making it the first ship capable of launching maneuver-capable payloads at speeds exceeding Mach 5. Two sister ships are set to undergo similar retrofits by 2027.

The U.S. Department of Defense began testing commercial drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, as part of the Drone Dominance Program. This initiative aims to evaluate uncrewed aerial systems to streamline procurement and enhance military capabilities. The Pentagon plans to invest over $1 billion in domestic drone production and aims to acquire 300,000 drones by 2028, with testing scheduled to continue every six months.