Analysis & Reports

Northrop Grumman developed the F-5 and F-20 aircraft, with the F-5E Tiger II serving over 30 air forces since its introduction in 1975. The F-20 Tigershark, developed in the 1980s, was intended for export but failed to sell any units despite significant investment. The F-5 series remains operational in various countries, showcasing its long-term success in military aviation.

The U.S. Navy awarded KestrelX a contract for low-observable target aircraft and engineering support for training exercises, with work distributed across Florida, Idaho, and North Carolina. This contract, valued at up to $9,987,285, extends KestrelX's threat-replication capabilities to the Navy, following previous work with the U.S. Air Force. The contract is set to last until 2028 and includes various military training operations.

Top military leaders from the U.S. Air and Space Force are set to gather in Washington D.C. next week to discuss budget priorities and strategies related to the ongoing conflict in Iran. This follows the commencement of Operation Epic Fury, with significant focus on military modernization and funding challenges. Gen. Dan Caine highlighted the need for substantial funding to support military operations and equipment replacements, particularly for lost drones.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force – 401 published a handbook on drone identification and defense tactics, providing troops with techniques to detect and counter drones. The guide includes practical advice on camouflage and drone engagement strategies, emphasizing the importance of adapting to evolving drone threats. This unclassified edition follows a classified version released last year and aims to enhance U.S. military readiness against drone incursions.

Alexander the Great, undefeated in battle, led the Macedonian Army to conquer regions including Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, Babylonia, and Persia by the age of 30. His leadership style, as encapsulated in his famous quote about lions and sheep, highlights the importance of effective leadership in military success. He died at 32, shortly after which his empire fell into chaos among his generals.

The U.S. Air Force continues to operate the F-117 Nighthawk, which was retired in 2008, and plans to keep it flying until 2034. The aircraft, originally developed at a cost of approximately $6.56 billion, has been used for various military operations, including nearly 1,300 missions during Operation Desert Storm. In September 2021, the Air Force resumed flying a small number of F-117s for testing and training.

On February 28, 2026, Iran struck Naval Support Activity Bahrain with missiles and drones, prompting the U.S. Navy to relocate its logistics operations to Diego Garcia. USS Gerald R. Ford was deployed for a record 326 days, while USS Abraham Lincoln spent 264 days without a port visit. The Navy is preparing USS Theodore Roosevelt for deployment, implementing lessons learned from previous deployments to address logistical challenges and improve sailor conditions.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a test flight of a modified Embraer 170 over the Pacific Ocean last month, successfully demonstrating a new quantum navigation system called MagNav. This system, which utilizes Earth's magnetic signatures, improved navigation accuracy by 89% compared to traditional methods. The Pentagon plans to further test this technology on a C-17 later this year.

Terrorist groups, including ISIS and Boko Haram, are increasingly using AI to enhance their operational capabilities and improve the effectiveness of conventional attacks. Notable incidents include the use of ChatGPT in the January 2025 Las Vegas bombing and AI-assisted planning by Boko Haram. The report highlights the growing threat posed by AI-enabled terrorism, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to address these risks.

General Atomics unveiled the Wildfire drone in Washington, designed to replace the MQ-9A Reaper. The Wildfire is capable of long-endurance reconnaissance and strike missions, exceeding Pentagon requirements with a ferry range over 8,000 nautical miles. It can carry two Long-Range Anti-Ship Missiles and is expected to be delivered earlier than the FY2031 timeline, targeting a cost of around $10 million per unit.

Four defense-tech companies integrated and tested a counter-drone system at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, during the Pentagon exercise Falcon Peak 26.2. The system included AI-enabled sensors, unmanned helicopters, and Ukrainian-made interceptor drones. This integration marked a significant advancement in counter-drone technology, with the system successfully engaging drones during testing.

In February 1999, the Dutch submarine HNLMS Walrus successfully penetrated the defenses of the USS Theodore Roosevelt during a naval exercise, conducting simulated torpedo attacks that were credited with sinking the carrier and seven escort ships. The exercise involved around 24,000 personnel and demonstrated the submarine's ability to evade detection using thermal layers. This incident underscores persistent vulnerabilities in carrier defense against quiet submarines.

In February 1999, the Dutch submarine HNLMS Walrus successfully conducted simulated torpedo attacks against the USS Theodore Roosevelt and seven escort ships during Joint Task Force Exercise 99-1 in the Atlantic Ocean. The submarine penetrated the carrier's defenses undetected, demonstrating its operational capabilities and the challenges faced by the U.S. Navy in anti-submarine warfare.

NATO allies intercepted Russian submarines training in Arctic waters near Svalbard in Spring 2023, simulating the deployment of a secret weapon designed to disable undersea cables. The operation was conducted by Russia's GUGI undersea warfare directorate, and NATO forces prevented the completion of the exercise. This incident highlights increasing concerns over Russian sabotage operations targeting critical infrastructure.

Australia's Army declared the National Advanced Surface to Air Missile System (NASAMS) combat ready on September 9, 2026, enhancing its air defense capabilities. The 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, is the first unit to operate the system, which is designed to counter various airborne threats. The NASAMS program, valued at A$2.5 billion, integrates advanced radar and missile technology.

Dwight D. Eisenhower coordinated the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II, leading significant operations in North Africa and Europe from 1944 to 1945. He commanded the largest amphibious assault in history, Operation Overlord, on June 6, 1944, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning. Despite never seeing combat, his organizational skills were pivotal in the success of the Allied campaigns against Germany.

The HSwMS Gotland, a Swedish Gotland-Class Diesel Submarine, conducted training exercises with the U.S. Navy, achieving a simulated kill against the USS Ronald Reagan in December 2005. The U.S. Navy had rented the submarine for training purposes, enhancing its capabilities against conventional submarines. The arrangement began in 2004, with the Gotland arriving at Naval Air Station North Island in June 2005, allowing for extensive training against U.S. naval forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military has achieved absolute control over southern Syria and is nearing the defeat of the Iranian regime. He emphasized that this control spans from Mount Hermon to the Mediterranean Sea. The remarks were made during his visit to Mount Hermon on September 9, 2023, amid a politically charged environment as elections approach.

Northrop Grumman announced the development of the PGK E5, an anti-jam GPS-guided artillery kit, on September 9, 2023. This new version enhances accuracy in GPS-degraded conditions and maintains compatibility with existing artillery systems. The U.S. Army has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth $863 million for the production of M1156 kits, with over 100,000 units already built since 2013.

Boeing has advanced to the next phase of developing a new interceptor missile for the U.S. Army's Integrated Fires Protection Capability air defense system, collaborating with Anduril Industries for the solid rocket motor. This interceptor aims to enhance defense against cruise missiles and drones, filling a critical gap in the Army's layered air defense. The announcement was made on September 9, confirming Boeing's progress in the competition against other defense contractors.