Analysis & Reports

The Missile Defense Agency extended Raytheon's contract for the AN/TPY-2 missile defense radars by $394 million, raising the total contract value to nearly $3 billion. This extension allows Raytheon to continue operating and maintaining the radars until October 31, 2028, supporting eight THAAD batteries across various locations, including Fort Bliss and South Korea. The radars have faced damage during the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The U.S. Navy contracted Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory for up to $47.7 million to identify vulnerabilities in submarines and subsea warfare assets. The contract, announced on October 21, 2023, will support the Navy's Undersea Security Program and will run until October 2031, with most work occurring in Laurel, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. This initiative aims to enhance the security of U.S. submarines against potential adversaries.

A large-scale drone attack involving 630 drones targeted the Moscow region from 8:30 PM on October 21 to 4:00 AM on October 22. Russian air defense systems destroyed most of the drones at a distance, while 163 were intercepted closer to the city. The attack resulted in two injuries in the New Moscow area, and emergency teams are responding to the wreckage.

The Japan Self-Defense Forces integrated the Type-25 anti-ship missile system into the Keen Sword joint military exercise, which commenced on October 19, 2026, on Ishigaki Island. Approximately 45,000 Japanese and 12,000 U.S. personnel are participating until October 29. The exercise aims to enhance regional defense capabilities by connecting missile systems with U.S. military assets, including NMESIS and HIMARS.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 22 2026Loading...

The US Air Force predicts a requirement for 1,509 combat-ready fighter jets by 2035 to meet a moderate risk operational profile. This figure represents an increase from previous estimates and is part of a broader analysis of the Air Force's fighter force structure. The report highlights challenges in funding and procurement, emphasizing the need for reliable congressional support to achieve these goals.

Gabriel Luna, portraying a CIA operative, engages in a sniper battle to protect the American president during a U.S.-Russia peace summit in Odesa, Ukraine. The opposing snipers utilize advanced targeting systems, while Luna relies on traditional skills and a range card. This confrontation is a key scene in the second season of 'The Terminal List.'

The U.S. Air Force requires 1,509 combat-coded fighters by 2035, with F-35s making up 40% of the fleet. Lt. Gen. David Tabor outlined these needs during a Pentagon briefing, emphasizing that the figures depend on congressional funding and industry production capabilities. The Air Force also plans to replace F-22s with F-47s and seeks to acquire 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032.

Elbit Systems acquired International Submarine Engineering, a Vancouver-based company specializing in autonomous underwater systems, on Tuesday. This acquisition aims to enhance Elbit's capabilities in the maritime domain, integrating various unmanned systems into a comprehensive operational framework. Elbit's President emphasized the strategic importance of this move for expanding their naval electronic warfare and autonomous systems capabilities.

L3Harris Technologies opened a new solid rocket motor production facility in Camden, Arkansas, aimed at doubling its production capacity. This facility will support the U.S. Army's Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).

Lockheed Martin will start producing the Extended-Range Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (ER GMLRS) after successfully completing two operational tests led by US Army personnel.

Houthi forces launched 4 ballistic missiles at Raiyan International Airport in Hadhramaut Governorate, Yemen, on October 21, causing significant explosions. The attack targeted military equipment that had been delivered to the airport by Saudi Arabia. No casualties or specific damage reports have been confirmed. Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree warned Saudi Arabia against using civilian airports for military purposes.

Germany's military raised its assessment of the Russian sabotage threat to the second-highest level, warning of potential attacks on its forces. This follows the discovery of a crashed drone with explosives near Wunstorf air base, indicating a direct threat to the Bundeswehr. The assessment highlights a broader deterioration in security and the likelihood of Russian actions against German military facilities.

European states are considering granting energy providers the authority to neutralize suspicious drones amid rising threats, particularly from Russia. The Skyranger 30 system is emphasized as a critical capability for this defense. NATO has also increased its presence in the Black Sea, reflecting heightened security concerns. A unified legal framework for drone defense is deemed essential to ensure effective response and governance.

Dr. Klaus WeberWed Oct 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army plans to test up to 15 new drone defense systems in Tan-Tan, Morocco, in February and March 2027. The focus is on protecting temporary command posts from enemy drones, with the goal of fielding effective systems within six months. This initiative addresses the challenges posed by adversaries adapting commercial drones for military use.

The U.S. Navy operated over 700 F-14 Tomcats from 1969 to 1988, primarily using the TF-30 engine, which led to approximately 40 aircraft losses due to stalls and rollovers. The F-14 was initially designed for the P&W F-401 engine, but delays forced the use of the TF-30. In 1988, the aircraft was upgraded to the GE F110 engine, enhancing its performance significantly.

Boeing Phantom Works conducted flight tests of the YF-118G Bird of Prey at Area 51 from 1992 to 1999, focusing on radar visibility. The aircraft, designed for maximum stealth, completed 38 flights and was declassified by the Pentagon in 2002. It is now displayed at the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

Global Ordnance Holdings and Sparkz established the first fully domestic-sourced and manufactured drone battery production facility in Sarasota, Florida, on October 20, 2026.

U.S. Army Chief Technology Officer Alex Miller discusses the Army's autonomy plans and the drone marketplace, which has seen over $800 million in purchases. The Army aims to utilize autonomous technology for logistics, battlefield protection, and various supplies.

The Russian Army is deploying the 'Yastreb' mobile anti-UAV system to the front lines as of October 21, 2026, to counter new drone threats. This system features nine interceptors capable of detecting and engaging various types of drones. It was showcased at the Security Space exhibition in Moscow and is intended to enhance Russia's air defense capabilities against increasing drone attacks.

Dmitri VolkovWed Oct 21 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor program faced significant budget cuts, reducing the initial order from 750 to 195 aircraft, which raised the cost per unit to approximately $369 million. This increase was attributed to extensive research and development expenses and the need for advanced technology. The program's evolution was influenced by changing military needs following the Cold War, leading to a reevaluation of procurement strategies.