Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Zero Trust gets harder when every user, device, weapon, and AI agent needs an identity
The U.S. Army is implementing a Zero Trust security model across 5,000 information technology systems, including legacy systems, by the end of 2027. This initiative aims to enhance cybersecurity by ensuring that all users, devices, and AI agents are positively identified and authorized before accessing resources. The Army is also addressing challenges posed by outdated systems and is developing various onboarding pathways for different operational domains.
Forget the Lockheed F-35 Fighter: At 87,000,000,000 Operations Per Second, the US Air Force’s Boeing F-15EX Eagle II Is a Real Flying Supercomputer
The U.S. Air Force's F-15EX Eagle II, stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is operationally effective in air superiority roles and is set to increase its fleet from 98 to 129 aircraft by Fiscal Year 2026. The F-15EX features advanced capabilities, including a high-speed processor and the ability to carry hypersonic weapons, enhancing its combat effectiveness against fifth-generation adversaries.
Marconi Technologies receives initial contract to deliver high-capacity sensor offload to USSOCOM unit
Marconi Technologies received a contract to deliver high-capacity sensor offload capabilities to a USSOCOM unit in Germantown, Maryland, on October 9, 2026. The contract includes the provision of Orion X604 radios to connect operators to sensors and autonomous systems.
Bringing real autonomy to battlefield drone swarms
Palladyne AI is advancing drone technology with decentralized embodied collaborative AI (DECA) to enhance autonomous operations. On August 8, 2026, at Camp Grayling, Michigan, the company demonstrated its SwarmOS software, allowing drones to operate in swarms, share information, and improve situational awareness. This development aims to reduce the cognitive load on human operators while maintaining the ability for human intervention in critical decisions.
U.S. Air Force wants a new brain for its older F-16s
The U.S. Air Force is hosting an industry day for a new F-16 mission computer at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, on October 20-21, 2023. Access to sensitive briefings is limited to certified companies, and all one-on-one sessions with program officials have been reserved. The new mission computer will replace the existing Modular Mission Computer on various F-16 variants, enhancing their combat capabilities.
A Conventionally Powered Aircraft Carrier Refuels in Several Hours. Refueling a Nuclear Nimitz-Class Carrier Takes 3 to 5 Years and Requires Cutting Holes Through the Decks to Reach the Reactors. USS John C. Stennis Is Finishing Hers 14 Months Late.
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) is completing its Refueling and Complex Overhaul at Newport News, Virginia, and is set to return to the fleet in October 2023, 14 months behind schedule. The Nimitz-class carrier, operated by over 5,000 personnel, undergoes extensive upgrades and inspections during this lengthy process, which is crucial for maintaining operational readiness.
AM General Building A Strong Foundation with Mission-Ready Technology at the AUSA Annual Meeting 2026
AM General is showcasing mission-ready technology at the AUSA Annual Meeting in South Bend, IN, on October 9, 2026. The company is recognized as a global leader in military mobility solutions, emphasizing its commitment to defense technology.
Israel Receives First American-Made Tamir Missile in 2026 and Transforms Iron Dome into a Joint Production Network
On October 9, 2026, Raytheon-Rafael delivered the first Tamir missile manufactured in the USA to Israel. This marks a significant shift in the production of the Tamir missile, enhancing Israel's air defense capabilities. The new production line in Camden, Arkansas, will support the Iron Dome system and create a joint production network between the USA and Israel, improving logistics and supply chain resilience.
Ahmed Al-RashidFri Oct 09 2026Loading...
U.S. Army seeks drone defense for its lightest units
The U.S. Army will brief defense companies in Huntsville, Alabama, on October 27-28, 2023, about its plans for a new short-range air defense system, M-SHORAD Inc 4. This system is intended to provide protection for light and fast-moving units against drones and aircraft. Companies are invited to participate in the development and production of this palletized system, which is not vehicle-specific and aims for initial operational capability by late fiscal 2029.
Self-driving Razorback UGV carries drone-killing turret
Forterra and Hypercraft showcased the Razorback unmanned ground vehicle at the AUSA meeting in Washington, designed for military resupply and counter-drone operations. The vehicle, equipped with a counter-drone turret from 9 Mothers, aims to enhance logistics in contested environments. It can carry significant payloads and has been tested by the U.S. Army, indicating its potential military applications.
Speed and agility to counter the FPV threat: Plasan unveils its Stormer 4×4 at AUSA
Plasan unveiled the Stormer 4×4 light vehicle at AUSA in Washington DC, designed for speed and agility in response to battlefield needs. The vehicle can carry 9 to 12 personnel and has a payload capacity of up to 1,000 kg, prioritizing mobility over armor. It is based on the Jeep Gladiator and features a Pentastar 3.6 litres V6 petrol engine, achieving a maximum speed of 120 km/h on gravel.
EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon, Lockheed weigh multi-year F-35 production, sustainment deal
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are engaged in ongoing negotiations for a multi-year procurement and sustainment deal for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter in Washington. This potential agreement could last up to a decade and be valued at tens of billions of dollars, focusing on both production and spare parts supply. However, there are concerns regarding the complexities of sustainment and the need for congressional approval for the contract.
Pentagon, Lockheed weigh multi-year F-35 production, sustainment deal
The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin are engaged in ongoing negotiations for a multi-year production and sustainment deal for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, potentially worth tens of billions of dollars. Concerns have been raised regarding the complexities of sustainment and the effectiveness of such contracts. Congressional approval is required for the multi-year procurement, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance military readiness and cost efficiency.
U.S. plans to keep V-22 Osprey flying past 2055
The U.S. military's V-22 Osprey program office and Bell Boeing have integrated 14 new companies into the supply chain to enhance the aircraft's operational capabilities beyond 2055. This initiative follows years of gearbox failures and crashes that grounded parts of the fleet. Redesigned gearboxes are set to be delivered starting January 2026, with plans for an unrestricted operational fleet by December 2027.
U.S. Army buys new locomotives to replace aging rail fleet
The U.S. Army has taken delivery of two new locomotives and a track-maintenance vehicle to modernize its aging rail fleet, which has over a third of its engines exceeding their 65-year service life. This effort aims to enhance logistics and readiness for deployments, with the latest deliveries occurring at Crane Army Ammunition Activity, Blue Grass Army Depot, and Fort Drum since October 2025.
U.S. destroyer enters Spanish dry dock, a first in Europe
USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) entered dry dock at Navantia’s shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, on October 7, 2023, for planned maintenance and modernization. This marks the first dry-docking of a U.S. destroyer in Europe since the Navy began stationing them there over a decade ago. The operation enhances U.S. Navy's forward-deployed maintenance capabilities in Europe, allowing for critical maintenance work to be conducted closer to operational areas.
RTX’s Raytheon awarded $6.3 billion multi-year contract for SM-3 IB interceptors
Raytheon was awarded a $6.3 billion contract on October 8, 2026, for the production and sustainment of Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors. The contract, part of agreements with the Department of War, aims to replenish missile defense inventories critical for U.S. forces and allies. Production will primarily take place in Tucson, Arizona, and Huntsville, Alabama, enhancing the U.S. Navy's missile defense capabilities.
First iron dome Tamir interceptor fully produced in the U.S. delivered to Israel
Raytheon-Rafael delivered the first fully American-made Tamir interceptor to the Israel Missile Defense Organization at a ceremony in East Camden, Arkansas. This delivery is part of the U.S.-Israel cooperative program for missile defense, highlighting the strategic partnership between the two nations. The Tamir interceptor is integral to the Iron Dome system, which has successfully defended Israel against various threats.
U.S. Marine Corps wants AI to spot aircraft failures early
The U.S. Marine Corps selected SteerBridge Strategies on October 8, 2023, to develop AI tools for predicting aircraft maintenance needs and managing aviation spare parts. This initiative aims to enhance logistics and operational efficiency within Marine aviation units. The Marine Corps is already testing AI systems with KC-130J tanker data to improve maintenance assessments.
Australia asks U.S. for $300M Tomahawk planning system
The U.S. State Department approved a potential $300 million sale of Tomahawk planning systems to Australia on October 8, 2023. This package includes a Theater Mission Planning Center and support for the Royal Australian Navy, enhancing its missile capabilities. Australia plans to acquire over 200 Tomahawk missiles for its Hobart-class destroyers and Virginia-class submarines, strengthening interoperability with U.S. forces.
