Analysis & Reports

BAE Systems delivered two Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicles (AMPVs) equipped with 30mm cannons to the U.S. Army's Transformation in Contact (TiC) unit in April 2023. These vehicles were developed in six months and are designed for advanced battlefield capabilities, including counter-drone systems and enhanced situational awareness. The TiC unit has begun rigorous field evaluations to assess their performance.

Gogo Special Missions and Insitu announced the successful completion of testing a new high-speed satellite connectivity solution for Group 3 Uncrewed Aerial Systems in Broomfield on 22 September 2026. The Gogo Galileo HDX antenna has been optimized for the Integrator UAS, enhancing command and control capabilities and enabling efficient data transmission. This collaboration aims to meet the demands of the expanding Group 3 UAS market with a turnkey solution.

Ukrainian forces achieved victories in counteroffensive operations, regaining control of two villages north of Lyman on September 20, 2023. They targeted Russian drone operators and supply lines, disrupting logistics and enhancing their own air defense and electronic warfare capabilities. This led to a temporary 'anti-drone dome' that hindered Russian reconnaissance and attack capabilities.

Global Military Products was awarded a $19.5 million contract by U.S. Special Operations Command on September 21 to supply non-standard weapons and equipment. The contract allows GMP to compete for delivery orders over five years, focusing on foreign-made military equipment, including Soviet-era arms. This follows their previous successful contract with USSOCOM, highlighting their capability in sourcing and delivering critical defense equipment.

BAE Systems delivered two AMPV 30 prototypes armed with Kongsberg’s Medium Caliber Turret to the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood, Texas, in April 2023. The prototypes underwent field evaluations, including live-fire testing, by the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment. These vehicles feature advanced systems such as counter-drone detection and a 360-degree camera system, but the Army has not yet committed to purchasing them.

Rafael Systems Global Sustainment secured an agreement to pursue U.S. qualification of the SPIKE SR shoulder-fired missile on September 22, 2023. This agreement involves testing and adapting the missile to meet U.S. military standards. The SPIKE SR is a lightweight, precision missile designed for infantry use, previously evaluated positively by the U.S. Army in 2021.

U.S. Northern Command tested Bumblebee interceptor drones during Falcon Peak 26.2 at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, through September 25, 2023. The exercise focuses on counter-drone operations to enhance detection and interdiction of unauthorized drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. This testing integrates operational lessons from Joint Task Force-Southern Border and aims to improve military capabilities against drone threats.

The FQ-42 Vengeance drone has been relocated to Creech Air Force Base as announced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. on 21 September 2026.

Gogo Special Missions and Insitu announced a collaboration to enhance Group 3 UAS connectivity in Broomfield, Colorado, on 22 September 2026. This partnership aims to improve the operational capabilities of unmanned aerial systems.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the F-16 fighter jets with a new Next-Generation Mission Computer to enhance their operational capabilities into the 2040s. An industry day is scheduled for October 20-21, 2023, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to discuss the program's technical challenges. This upgrade aims to replace the existing Modular Mission Computer, improving reliability and processing performance for ongoing military operations, particularly in the context of activities surrounding Iran.

The F-117 Nighthawk tail number 85-0818, known as 'The Overachiever,' is being added to the National Air and Space Museum collection. It will be partially disassembled and transported by the Air Force Reserve’s 512th Airlift Wing to Dulles International Airport for reassembly at Chantilly. This aircraft has a notable combat history, having participated in four major conflicts, and is recognized for its revolutionary stealth technology.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.2 billion contract for the production of Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), which are designed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System. This contract marks a significant step in enhancing the Army's long-range precision strike capabilities. PrSM Increment 2 features advanced targeting technology and is set to expand production capacity significantly.

An F-16CM Thunderbird jet crashed during a training flight in December 2023 after experiencing catastrophic engine failure due to broken fan blades. The pilot ejected safely, and the aircraft was completely destroyed. This incident follows a previous crash at Holloman Air Force Base linked to similar engine issues.

Assistant Secretary of War Michael Dodd emphasized the need for the Department of War to transition directed energy weapons from testing to deployment, advocating for high-energy lasers for air and missile defense. The Army has committed to this initiative, awarding a $464.8 million contract for a 30-kilowatt laser system. Dodd is urging the Navy and Air Force to follow suit, citing the cost-effectiveness of laser technology compared to traditional missile systems.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met with US President Donald Trump in New York on 21 September 2025 to discuss initiatives aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The agenda included a potential mutual energy ceasefire and a new drone deal. Zelenskiy also planned to engage in 20 other meetings during his visit, emphasizing the urgency of diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

The U.S. Army XVIII Airborne Corps evaluated the SkyRunner flying buggy at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on September 16, 2023. The exercise tested the vehicle's dual-mode capabilities in austere conditions, including its ability to transition between driving and flying. The SkyRunner can take off without a runway and has potential applications in reconnaissance and resupply.

The U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps tested the Autonomous Swarm Mothership at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, in mid-September 2023. The mothership successfully launched smaller drones to assess tracking and threat identification capabilities during the Scarlet Dragon 26-3 exercise. This event involved up to 100 drones and aimed to evaluate the integration of various counter-drone systems. Modalic's Chariot mothership, weighing 200 pounds, was also showcased, with flight testing scheduled for November 2023.

The U.S. Navy demonstrated the Collaborative Autonomy Mission Planning (CAMP) system for autonomous combat aircraft at Point Mugu Sea Range in October 2026. The system translates human mission plans into executable instructions for unmanned aircraft, enhancing interoperability with manned jets. This demonstration is part of the Navy's efforts to develop future carrier-based unmanned combat aircraft.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $13.6 million contract to K & K Industries for the construction of a weapons storage facility at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. This facility will support the incoming B-21 Raider stealth bomber and is expected to be completed by March 31, 2028. The project is part of a larger $900 million investment in military construction at the base, which will enhance its operational capabilities.

GM Defense won a $697.7 million modification to its Infantry Squad Vehicle contract with the U.S. Army on September 21, 2023, increasing the total contract value to $915.6 million. The modification focuses on engineering changes to the vehicle’s five-seat cargo variant, with an estimated completion date of June 25, 2028. The Infantry Squad Vehicle, which entered service in 2020, is designed for rapid troop movement across rough terrain and is based on the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2.