Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force requested $26.7 billion for infrastructure expansion and modernization in Fiscal Year 2027, significantly increasing from the previous year's $13 billion. This funding aims to support the development of the B-21 stealth bomber, F-47 fighter, and Sentinel ICBM program, with specific allocations for various Air Force bases across the country. The budget reflects a broader national defense strategy, emphasizing military readiness and modernization.

Saildrone unveiled the Spectre, a new medium unmanned surface vessel, at the Sea Air Space Exposition in National Harbor, Maryland. The vessel is designed for anti-submarine warfare and ISR operations, featuring two variants: Silent Endurance and Stealth Strike. Each vessel costs around $40 million and can carry substantial payloads. Construction of the first unit is set to begin soon, with sea trials anticipated in early 2027.

The U.S. Army has begun deploying 13,000 Merops interceptor drones to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones, with production rapidly scaling. The Merops, developed by Perennial Autonomy, is designed for air defense and can autonomously engage targets. It was first tested by Ukrainian forces in June 2024 and is now part of a broader strategy to defend against mass drone attacks.

The U.S. Army has begun deploying 13,000 Merops interceptor drones to counter Iranian-made Shahed drones, with production rapidly scaling. The Merops, developed by Perennial Autonomy, is designed for air defense and can autonomously engage targets. It was first tested by Ukrainian forces in June 2024 and is now part of a broader strategy to defend against mass drone attacks.

WB Group has contracted Teledyne FLIR to provide TacFLIR 280-HDEP surveillance systems to enhance situational awareness in the battlespace.

The U.S. Navy is developing hypersonic strike weapons under the FLASH program to enhance naval strike capabilities using existing launch systems. This initiative aims to integrate hypersonic weapons with the Mark 41 Vertical Launch System and the Virginia Payload Module, allowing for broader deployment across the fleet. The program is part of a strategic shift to improve missile warfare effectiveness and deterrence in the Pacific region.

Instalaza introduced the C90 Reusable shoulder-fired weapon system at the DSA exhibition in Malaysia in 2026. This new system is designed for light infantry, offering a reusable launcher compatible with various munitions, enhancing anti-armour and urban combat capabilities. Weighing approximately 3.9 kg, it allows soldiers to carry more rounds without excessive weight, improving mobility and endurance.

ASELSAN showcased its integrated C4ISR architecture and advanced radar systems at DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. The systems are designed for multi-domain operations, emphasizing sensor fusion and real-time data exploitation. ASELSAN's offerings include advanced AESA radars for air surveillance and counter-UAS applications, supporting interoperability with NATO systems.

Australia's National Defence Strategy outlines a commitment to increase defense spending and enhance self-reliance, with A$425 billion allocated for military capabilities from 2026 to 2036. The strategy emphasizes maritime capabilities, including new frigates and submarines, and aims to bolster air and missile defense systems. Despite these plans, analysts express concerns about the urgency and adequacy of the proposed budget in light of evolving security threats.

The U.S. Navy is set to select the manufacturer for its sixth-generation F/A-XX fighter in August 2023, confirming the program's advancement to the engineering and manufacturing development stage. This decision follows a competitive process between Boeing and Northrop Grumman, amid concerns regarding the industrial base and funding support from Congress. The F/A-XX is intended to replace the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornets and E/A-18 Growlers.

On April 15, 2023, Russia launched a massive attack on Ukraine, firing nearly 700 Shahed-type drones and 44 missiles, resulting in at least 16 fatalities and over 100 injuries, primarily in Kyiv. This assault underscores the critical strain on Ukraine's air defense systems, which are facing severe shortages of interceptors. The attack coincided with rising tensions within NATO, as European allies grapple with simultaneous crises in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Alexandra ReevesMon Apr 20 2026Loading...

Iran has targeted U.S. THAAD/TPY-2 radars in the Middle East using ballistic missiles and drone swarms, exposing vulnerabilities in air and missile defense systems. The attacks have led to a rapid depletion of interceptor stockpiles, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current defenses. Experts warn that the complexity of integrated attacks necessitates improved strategies and increased funding for air defense capabilities.

Iran is targeting U.S. THAAD/TPY-2 radars with ballistic missiles and drone swarms in the Middle East, exposing vulnerabilities in integrated air and missile defense systems. Recent months have seen a significant increase in these complex attacks, prompting concerns over the effectiveness of current defenses and the need for enhanced capacity and funding.

L3Harris Technologies announced a $1.27 billion expansion of its manufacturing site in Orange County, Virginia, on April 15. This expansion aims to enhance the production of solid rocket motors for the Department of Defense and is expected to create 350 jobs over the next five years. The project follows a $1 billion investment from the Pentagon to boost missile program capacities.

Thales Alenia Space, Airbus Defence and Space, and RADMOR signed an agreement in Gdansk on April 20, 2026, to develop a geostationary defense telecommunications satellite for the Polish Ministry of Defence. This satellite will enhance secure communications for the Polish armed forces and is part of the European Commission's 'Readiness 2030' plan. The project emphasizes cybersecurity and resilience against threats, contributing to Poland's national space sovereignty.

Fincantieri Marine Group announced plans to construct Saildrone's Spectre unmanned surface vessel at its Wisconsin shipyard. The Spectre is designed for multi-mission naval operations, optimized for anti-submarine warfare, and capable of speeds up to 30 knots. This initiative reflects the growing demand for unmanned capabilities in modern naval fleets and aims to deliver multiple vessels per year to meet evolving requirements.

ANELLO Photonics integrated its Maritime Inertial Navigation System into BlackSea Technologies’ Chaser USV platform on April 20, 2026, enhancing navigation capabilities in GPS-denied environments. This collaboration aims to improve operational continuity and mission success for autonomous maritime systems, addressing vulnerabilities in Global Navigation Satellite Systems.

The U.S. Navy is developing a helicopter-borne dipping sonar that can perform both anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures. This multi-mission capability aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce equipment storage needs aboard ships. The solicitation for this technology opens on May 6 and closes on June 3, with a focus on integrating the sonar into future helicopter platforms.

The U.S. Navy is developing a helicopter-borne dipping sonar that can perform both anti-submarine warfare and mine countermeasures. This multi-mission capability aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce equipment storage needs on ships. The solicitation for this project opens on May 6 and closes on June 3, with plans for prototype testing aboard MH-60R helicopters.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) was selected by the U.S. Navy for the Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning and Debrief (CAMP) project on 20 April 2026 in San Diego. The initiative aims to enhance mission planning capabilities and autonomy workflows for Autonomous Combat Platforms, culminating in a demonstration during a 2026 Fleet exercise. The project will showcase advanced mission planning and debrief capabilities integrated with Navy systems, focusing on the MQ-20 Avenger platform and various advanced technologies.