Analysis & Reports

Two F-22 Raptors from the U.S. Air Force withdrew from the Super Bowl flyover on February 6, 2025, due to operational requirements. The aircraft were redeployed for combat missions amid increasing military pressure on Iran. Recent actions involving the F-22s include participation in operations against Iran, while indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran continue.

The U.S. has deployed additional THAAD and Patriot batteries in the Middle East in response to potential Iranian threats. Saudi Arabia, which has invested $15 billion in THAAD systems, activated its first battery in July 2025 but remains dependent on U.S. military support for effective defense. The complexities of operating advanced systems like THAAD require extensive training and integration with U.S. command structures, limiting Saudi Arabia's independent operational capabilities.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Feb 08 2026Loading...

Canada is evaluating a mixed fleet proposal that includes 16 F-35s and 72 Gripen E fighters, as well as 6 GlobalEye AWACS, amid ongoing procurement challenges. The U.S. has warned that failure to advance the F-35 procurement could lead to adjustments in North American air defense. Internal political divisions are complicating the decision-making process regarding the next-generation fighter jet.

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E is technically faster than the F-35 Lightning II, capable of reaching Mach 2 compared to the F-35's Mach 1.6. Canada is currently reassessing its fighter procurement options, weighing the Gripen's speed against the F-35's superior interoperability and stealth capabilities. U.S. officials have expressed concerns that choosing the Gripen could affect NORAD commitments.

Canada is moving towards a potential decision to reduce its F-35 order in favor of 72 Gripen E/F aircraft from Saab, driven by diplomatic tensions with the U.S. and promises of local job creation. The Canadian government is reviewing its military procurement strategy, with discussions on technology transfers and production timelines ongoing. U.S. officials have warned that this shift could impact NORAD capabilities.

The XB-70 Valkyrie program was canceled in 1966 after a mid-air collision during a demonstration flight, which resulted in the loss of one prototype and the death of two pilots. The rise of Soviet surface-to-air missiles rendered the aircraft's high-altitude mission obsolete, leading to the program's termination. Only two prototypes were built, with the surviving aircraft now displayed in a museum.

The Department of Veterans Affairs reported a slight decrease in veteran suicides in 2023, with 6,398 veterans taking their own lives, down from 6,442 in 2022. Despite this decrease, the suicide rate among veterans increased to 35.2 per 100,000, more than double that of non-veteran adults. Contributing factors include homelessness and traumatic brain injury, with the VA investing $571 million in suicide prevention efforts.

Eight military aircraft, including B-1 Lancers and F/A-18 Super Hornets, conducted a joint flyover during the Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The operation, involving both the U.S. Air Force and Navy, was meticulously timed to coincide with the National Anthem. Pilots emphasized the importance of precision and coordination in this rare display of military capability.

Two National Guard members, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, were shot in Washington, D.C. on November 27, 2025, with Beckstrom succumbing to her injuries. They are set to receive the Purple Heart for their service. The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, attacked the members outside a Metro station before being restrained. The incident highlights the ongoing presence of National Guard troops in the capital as part of a federal mission.

The U.S. Army is conducting field tests of four M1E3 Abrams tank prototypes at the Detroit Auto Show, five years ahead of the original schedule. These prototypes will be evaluated in a transitional configuration, lacking some components, but designed for rapid upgrades through a Modular Open Systems Approach. This innovative development model involves multiple contractors and aims to enhance the tank's capabilities against modern threats.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 stealth fighter operates as a command-and-control node for drone swarms, enhancing air combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming. This integration allows the F-47 to conduct air attacks and ISR missions while reducing latency and improving survivability. The development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) supports the F-47's role in modern warfare, enabling real-time data exchange and operational efficiency.

Concerns arise over the F-47 NGAD fighter program, projected to cost $300 million per jet, with total costs potentially exceeding $1 trillion. The United States Air Force faces criticism for pursuing this program amid China's advancing military capabilities. Experts suggest canceling the F-47 and reallocating resources to more effective military technologies, such as drones and the F-22 Raptor.

The U.S. Navy completed the final flight test of the Harpoon Block II Update missile on January 16 at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and Point Mugu Sea Range. The test demonstrated the missile's effectiveness against a land-based target and was launched from an F-15 aircraft. This milestone marks the conclusion of the missile's system-level flight test campaign, with initial deliveries of the updated system expected later this year.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $22.6 million contract to Gentex Corporation for over 5,000 Next-Generation Fixed Wing Helmet systems. These helmets will replace the legacy HGU-55/P and HGU-68P models, enhancing aircrew ergonomics and safety. The NGFWH is designed for use across Navy and Marine Corps fixed-wing aircraft, supporting modern cockpit technologies and reducing the physical toll on aviators during operations.

NORAD is conducting an airspace intercept exercise to secure the airspace over Levi's Stadium during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. The operation involves coordination with federal, state, and local authorities to enforce temporary flight restrictions and ensure safety. NORAD will monitor the restricted airspace using established air defense procedures to prevent unauthorized aircraft from entering the area.

Northrop Grumman was awarded a $198 million contract to supply 608 power amplifier module spares for the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye in Melbourne, Florida. This contract supports aircraft operated under the Foreign Military Sales program, including those delivered to Japan, and is expected to be completed by February 2029. The award addresses critical support needs amid ongoing efforts to improve FMS procurement processes between the U.S. and Japan.

Japan's Ministry of Defense contracted Mitsubishi Electric for a 123.5 billion yen satellite communication system, set to operate by March 2030, to enhance communication for the Self-Defense Forces in the southwestern islands. The current reliance on a single satellite poses vulnerabilities, especially against potential Chinese attacks. The report advocates for exploring integration with U.S. military communication systems to mitigate risks.

Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...

The U.S. Marine Corps and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force will conduct the Iron Fist 26 military exercise in February 2026 in the Southwestern Islands of Japan, involving approximately 1550 personnel. This exercise signifies a strategic shift in the U.S.-Japan alliance, responding to heightened tensions in the region, particularly from North Korea's missile threats. It aims to enhance joint operational capabilities and strengthen regional defense posture.

Tanaka TakashiSat Feb 07 2026Loading...

Canada evaluated the Eurofighter Typhoon as a potential replacement for its CF-18 fleet but ultimately decided against it in favor of the F-35 and other alternatives. The shift in strategic requirements towards deeper integration with U.S. air defense systems diminished the Typhoon's appeal. Political and industrial factors also complicated the decision, leading Canada to focus on fifth-generation capabilities.

U.S. President Trump signed an executive order establishing a new arms transfer strategy aimed at prioritizing U.S. interests in foreign arms sales. The strategy focuses on countries that invest in their own defense and includes a directive for Defense Secretary and Secretary of State to develop criteria for arms monitoring. A sales catalog of prioritized military platforms is to be created within 120 days to encourage allies to purchase from the U.S.