Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is seeking new manufacturers to produce 155mm howitzer barrels due to increased demand, with a target of 10 barrels per month within three years. The current production facility, Watervliet Arsenal in New York, is unable to meet this demand, prompting the Army to explore additional manufacturing options and emergency funding. The deadline for contractor proposals is November 23, 2023.

The U.S. Army is seeking new manufacturers to produce 155mm howitzer barrels due to increased demand, with a deadline for proposals set for November 23, 2023. The Army aims for contractors to manufacture up to 10 barrels per month within three years, as the current facility, Watervliet Arsenal in New York, cannot keep up with demand. The Army is also exploring the potential replacement of the M777 howitzer.

Denmark announced plans to acquire Kongsberg Joint Strike Missiles and Anthem missiles to enhance its long-range strike capabilities. This decision aims to improve self-defense and strengthen NATO's deterrence against adversaries. The Anthem missiles will be produced in Germany, with production expected to begin in early 2027. Denmark is targeting a long-range strike capability by 2030, reflecting urgent defense needs in light of regional threats.

Raytheon UK secured contracts from Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration to supply GPS anti-jamming systems for various military platforms. This procurement enhances Sweden's military capabilities in electronic warfare.

Global Ordnance signed a master supply agreement with Sparkz for the production of drone battery packs intended for the US military, targeting completion in 2027.

Italy signed contracts for the development and delivery of 132 I-MBTs and 1,050 A2CS vehicles in late September 2025. The contracts, valued at Euro 3.7 billion, include various specialized versions and are part of a broader modernization effort for the Italian Army. Initial deliveries of the I-MBTs may be delayed beyond 2027, while the A2CS is expected to maintain its delivery schedule for 2040.

Denmark announced the acquisition of F-35 Joint Strike Missiles and Anthem cruise missiles to enhance its defense capabilities. The Minister of Defence stated that these purchases are a significant step towards strengthening national and collective deterrence. The new weapons can strike inside Russian territory, raising concerns about potential threats from Moscow. Denmark's intelligence service has warned of an increased risk of hybrid attacks from Russia against NATO members.

The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin established a 10-year framework to produce at least 850 F-35 Lightning II fighters for the U.S. military, pending congressional approval. Lockheed will invest $7 billion to enhance production efficiency and supply chain resilience. The deal aims to maintain a production rate of 156 aircraft annually and improve the F-35's mission-capable rate. This agreement is expected to support 317,000 jobs and generate $79 billion in economic activity over the decade.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) awarded a $75 million contract to Long Wall for the testing of its Cyclops low-cost interceptor in Washington. This interceptor is designed to strike enemy missiles mid-flight and can be launched from various platforms. Long Wall, established in February 2025, will invest an additional $75 million in the development of Cyclops.

The U.S. Army selected nine companies to test autonomous ground and air vehicles for troop resupply in Hawaii from November 4–15, 2026. The competition aims to enhance logistics by utilizing unmanned systems to reduce reliance on traditional supply lines. Eight finalists are competing with ground delivery systems, while one is an air delivery drone. Each finalist will receive $25,000, with additional prizes for successful integration into the exercise.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has been conducting live-fire air defense training at McGregor Range in New Mexico and various locations in Japan since July 2026. The exercises involve the Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile and coordination with Japan Air Self-Defense Force Patriot units. This training aims to enhance Japan's air defense capabilities.

Applied Intuition secured a $25 million contract from the US Navy to deploy AI-powered sensor fusion technology on five Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. The Intelligent Perception System (IPS) will integrate data from multiple sensors to enhance situational awareness and enable real-time updates while at sea. This initiative builds on the success of a previous pilot program, DECK, and aims to improve naval operations through advanced technology.

The U.S. Department of War is preparing to order 60,000 small attack drones from nine companies following the Gauntlet II testing at Fort Carson, Colorado, in August 2026. Perennial Autonomy and Neros are set to receive the maximum initial orders of 8,000 drones each. This initiative is part of the Drone Dominance Program, which aims to enhance the U.S. military's drone capabilities and establish a domestic industrial base for low-cost drones.

Turkey's Ministry of National Defence delivered a new batch of Tayfun Block 2 ballistic missiles to the Turkish Land Forces Command on October 22, 2026. This delivery marks at least the third batch of these missiles in 2026, enhancing Turkey's missile capabilities with a range exceeding 500 km. The Tayfun Block 2 is designed for precision strikes against high-value military targets.

U.S. Army soldiers have intensified training with long-range weapons across the first island chain from the Philippines to Japan between 2021 and 2025. This includes the deployment of HIMARS and Typhon missile systems in joint exercises with allies, reflecting concerns over China's military capabilities. Recent exercises demonstrated the ability to conduct rapid deployments and live-fire operations, enhancing operational readiness in the region.

The Army is experimenting with small drones to deliver tailored cyber effects and jamming capabilities as part of its ongoing efforts to equip the 11th Cyber Battalion. This includes testing the Radiofrequency Delivery Effects Platform (RDEP) and gathering feedback to determine the necessary capabilities for future operations. The establishment of a 12th Cyber Battalion is also planned to enhance the Army's cyber warfare capacity.

The Pentagon is advancing the development of ketamine wafers, known as Wafermine, for battlefield use, following a $41 million contract with iX Biopharma. An emergency authorization is being sought to allow its use before full FDA approval, in response to a military emergency declaration. This initiative aims to provide effective pain management for U.S. troops facing severe injuries.

The Russian Armed Forces introduced the 'Filin' missile with a range of 1200 kilometers on October 22, 2026. This missile features a mix of Chinese, Russian, and American components, indicating a complex supply chain under sanctions. Its deployment is expected to enhance Russia's operational pressure on Ukraine by targeting supply lines and infrastructure beyond the front lines.

Dmitri VolkovThu Oct 22 2026Loading...

Team Wendy has begun deliveries of the EXFIL Endurance ballistic helmet to a launch customer in the Middle East as of October 27, 2026. The helmet is part of their new product line, emphasizing advancements in ballistic protection.

France ordered four additional firing units of the SAMP/T NG air and missile defense system, bringing the total to twelve. These units will be delivered to the French Air and Space Force in a multi-layer ASTER / MICA VL configuration. This procurement is part of efforts to enhance European long-range air and missile defense capabilities, developed in cooperation with Italy.