Analysis & Reports

In 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler achieved a simulated kill against an F-22 Raptor during a training exercise at Nellis Air Force Base. This incident underscores the evolving nature of air combat, where electronic warfare and tactics can influence outcomes, even against advanced fifth-generation fighters. The F-22 remains recognized as the leading air superiority platform despite this simulated defeat.

The U.S. Navy retired the S-3 Viking aircraft in 2009 after 35 years of service, with discussions ongoing about its potential return to address capability gaps. As of 2014, 91 of these aircraft were stored at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the last of the Vikings was retired from NASA in 2022. Critics have labeled the retirement decision as short-sighted due to the aircraft's diverse operational capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force developed the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter to penetrate Soviet air defenses, achieving initial operational capability in 1983. The aircraft's design minimized radar detection, and its development was conducted under strict secrecy at Groom Lake and Tonopah Test Range. The F-117A's innovative approach to stealth significantly influenced future aircraft design.

The U.S. Navy utilized the Lockheed P-3 Orion as a premier anti-submarine warfare platform, capable of conducting long-range surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The aircraft, which could remain airborne for up to 21 hours, was equipped with advanced weaponry, including nuclear capabilities. Over 650 P-3s were ordered by the Navy, and they played a crucial role in maritime operations during the Cold War. The last P-3 Orion was retired in June 2023.

Canada signed a non-binding term-sheet agreement with Saab for the acquisition of six GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft. This agreement, announced on 27 May 2026, establishes the framework for detailed negotiations regarding the future capabilities of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The collaboration aims to enhance Canada's defense and security objectives through advanced military technology.

The U.S. Navy established the Robot and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Virginia, to train sailors in the use of autonomous technology and robotic systems. This center will focus on preparing combat-ready systems and developing guidelines for their operational use in combat environments. The Navy also demonstrated new capabilities for information sharing between operators and autonomous aircraft.

NASA announced plans to return to high-speed flight, as indicated by Administrator Jared Isaacman at the All-In Summit. The agency aims to expand its X-plane portfolio, with a focus on new aircraft designs that could enhance national security capabilities. The last flight of the SR-71 Blackbird occurred on October 9, 1999, and the agency is now looking to develop technologies that allow for higher, farther, and faster flights.

The U.S. Navy is launching Phase II of its medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) project, seeking innovative solutions for unmanned systems. The Navy's solicitation, posted on September 23, outlines requirements for vessels capable of 10 days of unmanned operations and a payload capacity of at least two 20-foot shipping containers. Vendors will be evaluated on various criteria, and successful proposals will be demonstrated at sea.

On April 23, 1991, the U.S. Air Force selected the YF-22 over the YF-23 Black Widow II for the Advanced Tactical Fighter program, prioritizing agility and lower risk. The YF-23, known for its superior speed and stealth, has since been analyzed for its potential impact on modern air combat and U.S. military strategy. The decision has shaped the Air Force's capabilities and industrial landscape for decades.

NASA utilized two F-16XL aircraft for supersonic research and sonic boom measurement alongside the SR-71 Blackbird at Edwards Air Force Base in 1988. The F-16XL, a modified version of the F-16, featured a larger wing and increased fuel capacity, enhancing its capabilities. After their research roles, both aircraft were retired and stored.

In 2012, German Eurofighter Typhoons claimed notional kills of US F-22 Raptors during a Red Flag exercise in Alaska. The exercise highlighted the F-22's superiority in long-range combat, while German pilots noted that in close dogfighting, the Typhoon could compete effectively. The F-22 Raptors flew 80 missions with a high success rate during the event.

The North American XB-70 Valkyrie, a Mach 3 strategic bomber, was towed out for restoration at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, in May 2024. Developed in the 1950s, only two prototypes were built, with one lost in a collision in 1966. The program was canceled due to evolving military needs and high costs, but the XB-70's design influenced future aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird.

The Defense Threat Reduction Agency awarded General Dynamics Information Technology a $16.6 million contract for IT support of the Defense Stockpile Management System, which tracks U.S. nuclear weapons. Work will occur at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is set to conclude by September 28, 2027. This contract aims to ensure continuous support for critical nuclear logistics IT systems.

The U.S. Army awarded Leonardo Electronics a $30.1 million contract to develop a powerful diode laser system at its facility in Tucson, Arizona. The project aims to combine light from multiple semiconductor lasers into a single beam and is scheduled for completion by March 29, 2029. This technology is intended for military applications, enhancing the capabilities of laser systems used in targeting.

ProDevice specializes in data destruction technologies in Wieliczka, Poland, focusing on secure elimination of digital data. The company has developed High Energy Impulse technology, which is patented in Poland and the USA, and collaborates with various institutions for research and development. ProDevice is expanding its operations in Europe, responding to the growing need for secure data destruction as digital data management becomes increasingly critical.

The first F-35 fighter jet for Germany was delivered by Lockheed Martin on September 18, 2023, in Fort Worth, Texas. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius attended the ceremony, marking a significant step in Germany's military modernization efforts. The F-35 will replace the Tornado aircraft and is part of a broader initiative to enhance Germany's defense capabilities, including nuclear sharing. Pilot training is set to commence in December 2023 in Arkansas.

The U.S. Air Force received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the YFQ-44A Fury and YFQ-42A Vengeance, at Creech Air Force Base on September 24, 2023. These uncrewed jets are designed to operate alongside crewed fighters and are currently undergoing operational testing. The Air Force aims to procure over 150 of these aircraft by the end of the decade, with significant funding allocated for their development and production.

The U.S. Air Force announced a contract modification worth $87.4 million to Northrop Grumman for the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, raising the total contract value to $1.92 billion. This system, designed for F-16 fighter jets, enhances radar-jamming capabilities and threat warnings. Production is set to be completed by December 31, 2029, with initial deployment for 72 F-16 Block 50 jets planned.

The U.S. Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth $123.8 million for long-lead parts for 67 AN/APG-85 radars intended for F-35 fighter jets. The contract, announced on September 24, 2023, is funded by the U.S. Air Force and Navy and is set to be completed by February 2031. Due to delays, F-35 jets are currently being delivered without radars, impacting their operational capability.

XTEND AI Robotics, Inc. was awarded Phase III of the U.S. Special Operations Command Modular Kinetic Lethal Drone Program on September 23, 2026, in Tampa. This phase advances the development of precision-strike unmanned systems designed for U.S. Special Operations Forces, integrating various drone platforms and a common Ground Control Station. The initiative aims to provide tactical units with modular and reusable capabilities for diverse operational environments.