Analysis & Reports

India has showcased the Vikram VT21 Advanced Armoured Platform, a new family of Infantry Fighting Vehicles. This demonstration highlights India's advancements in military equipment and capabilities. The event took place recently and involved the Indian Armed Forces.

The U.S. Navy is reviewing the Ford-class aircraft carriers due to technical issues and delays, with the USS Gerald R. Ford currently deployed in the Central Command area. The review, ordered by former Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, aims to address the challenges faced by the Ford-class, including cost overruns and operational limitations. The USS John F. Kennedy's delivery has been postponed until 2027, further complicating the Navy's carrier strategy.

HMS Vanguard, the last battleship ever built, was laid down in Clydebank, Scotland, on March 14, 1941, and commissioned into the Royal Navy on August 9, 1946. It was heavily armed and capable of 30 knots but never saw combat, being decommissioned and scrapped in early 1962. The Royal Navy's current capabilities have significantly diminished since WWII, with a notable reduction in surface combatants and submarines.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has officially named the Shenyang J-35 stealth fighter aircraft carrier variant 'Blue Shark', marking its transition to initial operational integration. This aircraft is intended to replace the J-15 and enhance the PLAN's carrier-based air superiority. The J-35 has been in development since 2012 and is equipped to carry advanced missiles, indicating a significant advancement in China's naval aviation capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is experiencing significant delays in the procurement of the SSN(X) attack submarine, which is not expected to be available until 2040. This delay poses a strategic risk as the Chinese and Russian navies continue to enhance their submarine capabilities. Currently, the U.S. fleet consists of 47 attack submarines, falling short of the required 66, while the production of the Type 095 and Yasen-class submarines by adversaries is accelerating.

Australia has committed A$750 million for the manufacturing of 268 next-generation Bushmaster protected mobility vehicles. This investment aims to enhance the capabilities of the Australian Defence Force in protected mobility operations.

The Soviet Union constructed 8 titanium-hulled submarines from 1969 to the early 1990s, achieving unmatched speed and depth capabilities. The U.S. Navy opted not to pursue titanium submarines due to high costs and engineering difficulties, instead focusing on steel-hulled submarines with superior acoustic performance. This strategic decision allowed the U.S. to maintain a larger and more effective submarine fleet.

Ukraine's military intelligence has disclosed detailed information about the S-71K "Kovyor" cruise missile, developed for the Su-57 fighter. This missile, which has a range of up to 300 kilometers, incorporates foreign components from multiple countries, challenging the effectiveness of international sanctions. The GUR's publication aims to expose the technological foundations of Russia's defense industry and calls for increased sanctions pressure.

Elbit Systems inaugurated a new unmanned aerial systems production facility in Chitila, Romania, on April 27, 2026, showcasing the Watchkeeper XR drone. This facility, the seventh in Romania, enhances local production capabilities for advanced military drones, supporting the Romanian Armed Forces' modernization efforts. The opening reflects Elbit's long-term commitment to Romania and the growing demand for tactical reconnaissance drones in Europe.

Oshkosh Defense showcases the ROGUE-Fires, an autonomous ground vehicle equipped with anti-ship missiles, and the upgraded MTVR 4×4 logistics vehicle at the Modern Day Marine exhibition in Washington D.C. from April 28 to 30, 2026. The ROGUE-Fires enhances the Marine Corps' ability to operate in contested maritime environments, while the MTVR 4×4 provides critical logistics support with mobile power capabilities.

The Pentagon proposed a nearly $54 billion budget for the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) for fiscal year 2027 to enhance the development of drones and unmanned systems. This budget marks a significant increase from the previous year's funding and aims to unify efforts in drone procurement and operations. The DAWG will also collaborate with U.S. Southern Command on drone initiatives to address regional security threats.

Rheinmetall received a €1.04 billion contract from the Bundeswehr for the procurement of additional IdZ-ES soldier-systems, which will be delivered between November 2027 and December 2029. This contract will equip an additional 8,600 soldiers, bringing the total to 353 platoon systems. The German Bundestag recently approved €1.3 billion for the project, indicating further orders are anticipated.

The Department of War reports that the Golden Dome missile defense shield is ahead of schedule and within budget. This development indicates progress in the U.S. missile defense capabilities, although specific timelines and locations were not provided.

Thales Australia will deliver 268 additional next generation Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicles (PMVs) to the Australian armed forces, supported by a AU$750 million investment from the government. Production will commence in 2027 at the Bendigo facility, enhancing the Australian Army's capabilities with improved protection and mobility features.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy proposed to increase F-35 fighter jet procurement over the next five years, with the Air Force planning to buy 42 jets and the Navy and Marine Corps aiming for 47 jets next year. This proposal is part of a broader defense budget request of $1.5 trillion, despite criticism regarding the aircraft's cost and readiness issues. The F-35 has been actively used in operations against Iran recently.

French President Macron affirmed that the Franco-German fighter jet project (FCAS) has not failed during an informal EU leaders' meeting in Cyprus on April 24, 2023. He highlighted constructive discussions with German Chancellor Merz and emphasized the importance of the project for European security. The FCAS aims to be operational by 2040, replacing current fighter jets, but consensus among participating companies has yet to be reached.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) issued a solicitation on April 24, 2023, seeking private companies and research groups to develop new technologies for special operations missions under the ANCHOR Initiative. The focus includes drones, artificial intelligence, and directed energy systems to enhance operational capabilities. Responses are due by June 1, 2023.

XDOWN's STUD drone attracted significant interest from over 500 military representatives during a demonstration at a NATO base in Romania. The drone, designed for rapid deployment and multiple military roles, is set for mass production in partnership with Qognifly Systems, which aims to produce thousands of units monthly by 2026. This initiative aligns with the U.S. military's strategy to enhance drone capabilities.

ThinKom Solutions demonstrated a mobile High Power Microwave system at a U.S. Army test in August 2025, designed to disable drones by damaging their electronics. The system, mounted on a pickup truck and integrated with Echodyne’s EchoShield radar, showcased its capability to engage threats in real-time without stopping the vehicle. This technology represents a significant advancement in counter-drone operations, emphasizing portability and effectiveness over traditional methods.

NATO plans to modernize its AWACS fleet stationed in Germany, opting for Bombardier-made aircraft equipped with Saab's GlobalEye system instead of American-made options. This decision follows the U.S. withdrawal from the project, with Germany expected to cover most costs. The final decision is anticipated before the NATO summit in Ankara in July.