Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force plans to extend the operational life of the F-22 Raptor into the 2050s and 2060s, upgrading its capabilities to counter threats from the People's Liberation Army Air Force, which operates around 300 J-20 stealth fighters. The F-22 has received numerous enhancements, including advanced avionics and weapons systems, ensuring its superiority in air-to-air engagements.

The U.S. Navy is reassessing the role of aircraft carriers in modern warfare due to emerging threats from drones, cyber intrusions, and advanced missile systems. As the strategic environment shifts towards peer competitors like China and Russia, the Navy is adapting its carrier operations to maintain effectiveness. Despite concerns about obsolescence, carriers continue to play a crucial role in U.S. naval strategy, providing air power and operational flexibility.

China and Iran are enhancing their military strategies to neutralize U.S. aircraft carriers by increasing their operational distance rather than sinking them. This involves improved surveillance capabilities and the development of advanced anti-ship missiles. The focus is on reducing the effectiveness of U.S. carrier operations in the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean, reflecting lessons learned from past military engagements.

China unveiled the Type 100 tank during a military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025, marking its entry into active service in combined-arms exercises by May 4, 2026. The PLA's tank fleet has decreased to approximately 6,640 tanks, including various generations, reflecting a modernization effort. The Type 100 features an unmanned turret and a smaller 105mm gun, indicating a shift in armored warfare strategy.

Japan is modernizing its fleet of 98 F-15J jets under the Japan Super Interceptor program to enhance their capabilities against modern threats. The upgrades include advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and compatibility with new missile systems. This modernization aims to improve the F-15J's ability to detect and engage low-observable targets while working alongside Japan's F-35s.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA-533) has taken over rotational duty in Japan, replacing VMFA-232 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni on September 5, 2025. This marks VMFA-533's first deployment with the F-35B Lightning II, enhancing U.S. combat-ready aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The deployment is part of the U.S. Marine Corps' Unit Deployment Program, which has been operational since 1980.

Ukrainian Armed Forces conducted drone strikes on Millerovo airbase in Rostov Oblast and Sochi airport in Krasnodar Krai on August 30 and September 4, respectively. The strikes resulted in significant damage, including the destruction of an ammunition depot and radar systems at Millerovo, and the loss of military helicopters at Sochi. The FP-1 drones were used in these operations, highlighting their role in Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities.

India and the UK are set to sign agreements to enhance defense cooperation, including the installation of electric propulsion systems on four Indian Navy landing ships and joint production of lightweight multi-role missiles. The UK is also working on designing jet engines for India's advanced medium combat aircraft. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral defense ties and support India's naval expansion goals by 2035.

The U.S. Army's 75th Ranger Regiment evaluated the AERO Sky drone in a live-fire mothership role at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The drone carried strike drones and served as a communications relay node during the exercise. This evaluation follows a previous assessment with the 101st Airborne Division earlier this year.

JP Aerospace released concept images of a hypersonic vehicle named Hazel, which is designed to be launched from a high-altitude airship called SuperTandem. The organization aims to reach space using airships rather than conventional rockets. Their previous notable achievement was in October 2011 when their Tandem airship reached an altitude of 95,085 feet over Nevada's Black Rock Desert.

Russia continues to produce Su-34 fighter-bombers at the Novosibirsk Aviation Plant, with 212 units delivered by early 2026. During the Viva Avia air festival on August 1-2, 2024, a newly built Su-34 was spotted, highlighting ongoing production despite the war in Ukraine. The aircraft has been used extensively in combat, with 43 confirmed losses since the invasion began in February 2022.

Ukraine received its first RCH 155 howitzer from Germany on September 5, 2026, after years of delays. The delivery is part of a total order of 54 units, which are expected to enhance Ukraine's artillery capabilities. Training for over 600 Ukrainian soldiers on the system has been completed, although the delivery timeline faced several setbacks since the initial pledge in 2022.

CSG is investing EUR 49.7 million in expanding production capacities for military land systems in Kopřivnice over the next three years. This includes the construction of 14,000 square meters of new production areas and administrative facilities, with the first stage expected to be operational by December 2026. The project will also create up to 300 new jobs and enhance the local infrastructure.

A Ukrainian gunsmith inspected five captured rifles, revealing that the AK-12 consistently underperformed compared to the AK-74. The analysis showed significant barrel quality issues in the newer AK-12 models, with one nearly unfired rifle exhibiting internal damage. Dmytro concluded that older AK-74 rifles remain more reliable and easier to maintain in combat situations.

Patria successfully completed the assembly of Finland's first F135 fighter jet engine at its facility in Linnavuori on 3 September 2026. This milestone marks the beginning of full-scale production, with plans to continue until 2030. The assembly is part of a strategic partnership with the Finnish Defence Forces and will support the maintenance and sustainment of Finland's F-35 fleet. Approximately 50 jobs are expected to be created as a result of this initiative.

The U.S. Army awarded a $12.9 million contract to Global Military Products for the integration of Scorpion Light mobile mortar systems on Infantry Squad Vehicles on September 3, 2026. This new system enhances indirect fire capabilities and was evaluated by soldiers during Exercise Balikatan 2026 in the Philippines, demonstrating its speed and precision in live-fire operations.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched multiple ballistic missiles at a U.S. aircraft carrier and a destroyer on September 6 in Tehran, Iran. The U.S. ships were reportedly involved in maritime blockade operations against Iran and were forced to withdraw after sustaining damage from the strikes.

The People's Liberation Army Navy Aviation has significantly developed since its establishment in 1952, becoming a crucial force in safeguarding China's maritime sovereignty. Key milestones include the commissioning of the Liaoning and Shandong aircraft carriers and the operational readiness of the J-15 fighter jet. The naval aviation forces continue to enhance their capabilities with the upcoming commissioning of the Fujian aircraft carrier, expected by November 2025.

China is ramping up production of J-20 and J-35A stealth fighters, with the Chengdu plant capable of producing 100 J-20s annually. The total Chinese fighter production capacity is estimated at 300 to 400 aircraft per year, aiming for a fleet of 1000 fifth-generation fighters by 2030. The People's Liberation Army Air Force is expanding its capabilities significantly, while the U.S. has only 184 F-22s remaining in inventory.

The German Wehrmacht lost 6,153 Panzer IV tanks on the Eastern Front during World War II, representing a significant portion of their armored losses. Originally designed to combat fortifications, the Panzer IV evolved through various iterations but ultimately could not match the production rates of Allied tanks. Despite its initial effectiveness, the tank faced challenges against superior enemy armor and was outnumbered as the war progressed.