Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Department of Defense is working to establish control over missile defense programs through the Golden Dome initiative, initiated by President Trump in February 2025. This initiative aims to protect U.S. citizens from aerial attacks but currently lacks authority over key defense systems. The report highlights the necessity for centralized control and authority to ensure the effectiveness of the Golden Dome initiative.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin $200 million in September 2023 to upgrade M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System launchers to the M270A2 standard. This modernization includes new engines and armored cabs, allowing the launchers to fire precision munitions. The Army aims to maintain the M270 fleet in service through 2050, with ongoing contracts for upgrades since 2019.

The U.S. Army engaged and defeated three hostile drones using a Multi-Purpose High Energy Laser system on the U.S. southern border on August 25 and 26. This operation was conducted by the Joint Task Force Southern Border, which includes around 8,000 service members. The Army has linked these drone incursions to cartel surveillance activities.

Fering secured its first export orders for the Pioneer hybrid off-road vehicle from Canada and an undisclosed Middle Eastern country. The company unveiled the Pioneer X at a recent show, which maintains the same mobility as the original but with increased payload capacity. Fering is also competing for a contract with the British Army's Light Mobility Vehicle program and is planning a new production facility.

The U.S. Air Force is replacing the LGM-30G Minuteman III with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, which has seen its cost rise from $77.7 billion to $140.9 billion due to necessary infrastructure upgrades. Approximately 400 operational missiles are deployed across Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, with additional infrastructure in Nebraska and Colorado. The modernization aims to enhance the U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities and is expected to keep the Sentinel in service until 2075.

General Atomics delivered the FQ-42 Vengeance aircraft to Creech Air Force Base for ongoing test and evaluation operations. The U.S. Air Force is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with plans to integrate at least 500 autonomous aircraft by 2032. The FQ-42 features advanced capabilities and is part of a broader strategy to enhance military aviation.

A fishing charter recovered a U.S. military LUCAS drone off the Florida coast near Eglin Air Force Base on September 17. The drone had gone down during routine testing and was found floating by fishermen. After confirming it was a military drone, the fishermen returned it to shore, where it was taken into military possession.

The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call on September 18, 2023, during a ceremony at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona. The aircraft, which served for over 40 years, is being replaced by the EA-37B Compass Call, based on the Gulfstream G550. The new aircraft will enhance electronic warfare capabilities and is set to have a fleet of 22 units, with Italy as the first export customer.

The Pentagon requested defense companies to propose faster weapons production and delivery schedules by August 26, 2023, in response to declining U.S. weapon inventories during the Iran war. Lockheed Martin announced significant investments to expand munitions production, while framework agreements were established to boost production of critical components for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. The Pentagon aims to triple PAC-3 and quadruple THAAD production capacity as part of its fiscal 2028 budget request.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. has continuously produced the Ruger 10/22 rifle since its launch on March 24, 1964, with estimates of production reaching between 7 to 10 million units. The rifle features a unique 10-round rotary magazine and has a significant aftermarket, allowing users to build complete rifles without original Ruger parts. The 10/22 remains popular for recreational shooting and small game hunting.

The McDonnell XF-85 Goblin, a parasite fighter designed to operate from the B-36 Peacemaker, underwent testing at the Muroc Air Test Center in California in 1948. The program faced challenges, particularly in recovering the Goblin to the mothership, leading to its cancellation in 1949 after accumulating only 2 hours and 19 minutes of flight time. Only two prototypes were produced, and the concept was ultimately rendered obsolete by advancements in midair refueling.

U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit operated the Light Marine Air Defense Integrated System (LMADIS) in the U.S. Central Command area from September 2-6. This mobile counter-drone system is designed to detect and defeat small drones threatening forward forces. The unit, consisting of approximately 2,500 Marines, has been deployed in response to ongoing conflicts in the region since February 2023.

The U.S. Air Force retired the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on September 18, 2023, after over 40 years of service. The aircraft's final flight occurred on September 2, and it will be replaced by the EA-37B, which is designed to enhance electronic warfare capabilities. The EC-130H has been instrumental in disrupting enemy communications since its introduction in 1981.

On September 18, 2026, Saudi Arabia received preliminary approval from the U.S. for the purchase of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets valued at $24.3 billion. This deal, which includes 49 Pratt & Whitney engines and support equipment, is pending Congressional approval. The acquisition aims to modernize the Royal Saudi Air Force and enhance its capabilities against regional threats, particularly from Iran.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Sep 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is extending the service life of the B-1 and B-2 bombers while accelerating the development of the B-21 Raider. General Stephen L. Davis announced this decision during a conference, highlighting the need to maintain readiness. The B-21 is expected to be delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027, with plans to replace the older bombers with at least 100 new units over the coming decades.

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker light tank program in 2024 after building 80 units due to excessive weight and logistical challenges. The vehicle, intended to replace the M551 Sheridan, weighed 38 tons, which hindered its mobility and deployment capabilities. The M10 Booker is now on static display at the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Collection in Fort Benning, Georgia.

U.S. Air Force leaders are preparing to integrate AI into military decision-making, aiming to deploy 500 highly-autonomous collaborative combat aircraft by 2032. The focus is on building trust between airmen and AI systems, with discussions on the potential for AI agents to autonomously make decisions in military operations. This reflects a significant shift in military doctrine and operational strategy regarding the use of AI technologies.

Five companies achieved top scores in the close-quarters battle category of the Gauntlet II testing under the U.S. Department of War's Drone Dominance Program. Neros led with a score of 88.1, followed by ORQA US LLC and XTEND Reality Inc. XTEND demonstrated 120 STRIKER systems, while Vector secured orders for up to 5,000 systems. The program aims to develop a U.S.-based supply chain for low-cost attack drones.

The U.S. Space Force is seeking designs for satellites that can quickly chase and inspect objects in orbit, as outlined in a request for information published on September 18, 2023. The program aims for rapid deployment, with satellites ready to launch within 14 days, and potentially as fast as 12 hours. The initiative is part of the Space Force's VICTUS line, emphasizing flexibility and interoperability in satellite design.

The U.S. Air Force will hold an industry day on October 20-21 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to discuss a new mission computer upgrade for its F-16 fighter fleet. The upgrade targets F-16 Block 40, 42, 50, and 52 variants, enhancing their combat systems. Attendance is capped at 80, with companies allowed to register for one-on-one meetings with government officials. Details on specific systems supported by the new computer remain undisclosed.