Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is developing a new anti-radiation missile, the Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM), which will be compatible with F-18 and F-35 aircraft. The Navy plans to order up to 300 missiles annually, aiming for deployment within two years of contract award. The AESM is designed to exceed the range of existing missiles and target advanced radar systems, with proposals due by March 18, 2026.

The U.S. Navy is seeking to develop a new Advanced Emission Suppression Missile (AESM) compatible with F-18 and F-35 aircraft, aiming for a longer range than existing anti-radiation missiles. The Navy plans to order up to 300 missiles annually, with deployment expected within two years after contract award. The AESM will feature advanced targeting capabilities and must be ready for operational demonstration by March 2026.

The U.S. Navy issued a Request for Proposal for a Vessel Construction Manager to oversee the acquisition of Medium Landing Ships in Washington on February 18, 2026. This strategy aims to accelerate delivery and improve cost discipline by managing construction at Bollinger Shipyards and Fincantieri Marinette Marine. The program will deliver a 35-ship fleet to enhance expeditionary agility and support Marine Corps operations.

Four F-117 Nighthawks flew in formation during a recent sortie over the Antelope Valley. The aircraft, part of the 9th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, is set to retire soon after 25 years of service, having proven its capabilities during the Gulf War by successfully penetrating heavily defended targets. The F-117 redefined air combat with its stealth technology, influencing future aircraft designs.

The U.S. Army conducted its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, showcasing drone warfare skills among over 800 participants from various Army units. Competitors engaged in multiple lanes, including drone racing and innovation showcases, focusing on developing effective drone technology and skills. The event aims to enhance training and operational capabilities in unmanned warfare.

The U.S. Army held its first annual Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, showcasing drone warfare skills among over 800 attendees. Soldiers competed in various lanes, including drone racing and innovation, to develop effective drone technology. The event aims to enhance training and operational capabilities in unmanned warfare, with future iterations potentially incorporating drone swarm tactics.

Canada authorized payments for 14 additional F-35 Lightning II jets on February 10, 2025, while continuing its review of fighter jet procurement. The decision is influenced by trade tensions with the U.S. and concerns over reliance on U.S. military technology. The Canadian government is also considering the Saab Gripen E as a potential alternative to maintain sovereignty.

The U.S. military is significantly increasing its presence in the Gulf region, deploying multiple fighter aircraft and naval assets in February 2026. This includes 6 F-22 Raptors and 18 F-35s, alongside aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford. The buildup is part of preparations for potential confrontations with Iran, amid ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding nuclear agreements.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

NATO commenced its Steadfast Dart 2026 military exercise in Central Europe on February 5, 2026, amid a backdrop of declining Russian offensive momentum in Ukraine. The U.S. is deploying additional military assets to the Middle East in response to rising tensions with Iran, while Ukraine continues its long-range strike campaign against Russian targets. Concurrently, Iranian officials have issued stark warnings regarding potential U.S. military actions.

Alexandra ReevesThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin and Insta signed a memorandum of understanding in Fort Worth, Texas, to enhance defense innovation and collaboration. The agreement focuses on command and control, sensor integrations, and sustainment, aiming to strengthen industrial resilience and capacity. This collaboration supports the strategic connection between the U.S. and Finland, enhancing security of supply and integrating local industry into the F-35 program.

Swarm Aero opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on February 17, 2026, to produce large uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). The facility will have the capacity to manufacture thousands of UAVs and is expected to create hundreds of aerospace jobs. This center will serve as Swarm Aero's primary hub for large UAV systems and swarm command-and-control software integration, reflecting a significant advancement in military drone technology.

Boeing is relocating its defense and space business headquarters back to St. Louis, ensuring leaders remain close to the 18,000 personnel in the area. The move, announced on Wednesday, aims to enhance operational efficiency and is part of Boeing's strategy to invest in future products and growth in St. Louis and Charleston. The defense division will continue to have a presence in Virginia, where the global headquarters remains.

Japan purchased 20 Wave Glider SV6 unmanned surface vehicles from Liquid Robotics under a $25 million Foreign Military Sales program. The U.S. Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base authorized the acquisition to support operational testing activities. The first unit is scheduled for delivery within 360 days, with final delivery within 720 days. This procurement ensures compatibility with Japan's existing unmanned systems.

Airmen from the 102nd Security Forces Squadron conducted use-of-force training using a virtual reality system at Otis Air National Guard Base, Massachusetts, on February 8, 2026. The training utilized the Street Smarts Virtual Reality system to simulate real-world security scenarios, enhancing decision-making and readiness. This exercise is part of an ongoing program aimed at modernizing training methods for military personnel.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $33.8 million contract for ground and flight test support of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) integrated with the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) system. This contract, announced on February 18, 2026, aims to validate the sensor's performance and operational functionality, with completion expected by March 31, 2027. The LTAMDS program is intended to enhance air and missile defense capabilities by replacing the legacy Patriot radar.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $13 million contract to upgrade infrared countermeasure systems on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operated by Canada and Australia. The upgrades will convert existing Block 10 systems to the newer Block 30 configuration, enhancing the aircraft's survivability against infrared-guided threats. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, with completion expected by July 2030.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to deliver C-130J training devices and upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force, with deliveries starting in 2029. This includes two Weapon Systems Trainers and an Enhanced Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainer. The RAAF currently operates 12 C-130J-30 aircraft and has recently acquired 20 additional units to enhance its tactical airlift capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is reinforcing military deployments around Iran, with the Ford-class aircraft carrier moving towards the Gibraltar Strait. Concurrently, the Lincoln carrier strike group operates near Oman. Israel has heightened its alert level, preparing for possible joint military action with the U.S. against Iran, as diplomatic negotiations show no signs of progress. Over 150 military transport flights have delivered equipment to the region, indicating an imminent military operation.

The U.S. Air Force announced that Air Force One will be painted in a new red, white, and blue color scheme as directed by President Trump. This change will apply to three Boeing 747-800 aircraft, which are set to replace the aging 747-200 fleet. The decision to modify the aircraft's appearance follows a previous reversal by President Biden regarding the color scheme.

The U.S. Air Force announced that Air Force One will be painted in a new red, white, and blue color scheme as directed by President Trump. This change will apply to three Boeing 747-800 aircraft, which are set to replace the aging 747-200 fleet. The decision to alter the aircraft's appearance follows a previous reversal by President Biden in March 2023 regarding the color scheme.