Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is prioritizing training for soldiers to operate drones effectively in contested electromagnetic environments as part of the Drone Dominance program. With 12,080 drones acquired, the focus is on ensuring every squad is equipped and trained by the end of fiscal 2026. Recent exercises in Germany highlighted the need for soldiers to navigate the electromagnetic spectrum effectively.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training soldiers to operate small, one-way attack drones, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments. This initiative follows the acceptance of 12,080 drones from the Drone Dominance program's first gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, including exercises in Germany with NATO partners. The Army aims to ensure every squad is equipped and capable of using these drones effectively by the end of fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Army is focusing on training personnel to operate small, one-way attack drones, aiming to outfit every squad by the end of fiscal 2026. The Army has accepted 12,080 drones from the first Gauntlet of the Drone Dominance program and expects to order 60,000 more from the second Gauntlet. Training is being conducted both domestically and abroad, particularly in Germany, to ensure effective operation in contested environments.

Latvia's government decided to purchase Czech-made Morana howitzers for its National Armed Forces on September 15, 2025, opting for this system over Sweden's Archer due to cost and delivery issues. The Morana howitzer, a 155mm system, will enhance Latvia's artillery capabilities and includes local industry participation in its procurement. Despite this decision, Latvia continues to maintain a strategic defense partnership with Sweden.

The Royal Navy is set to introduce four Dreadnought-class ballistic missile submarines, with the first, HMS Dreadnought, expected to be commissioned in the early 2030s. These submarines will replace the aging Vanguard-class and are designed to enhance the UK's nuclear deterrent capabilities. Each submarine will be equipped with 12 Trident 2 D5 missiles and advanced stealth technology, including new X-rudders and Pumpjet propulsors for reduced noise.

Babcock International Group and Ark Robotics have partnered to supply combat-proven uncrewed ground vehicles to UK forces. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of the UK military with advanced unmanned technology.

On September 17, 2026, the European Union and Ukraine announced a drone alliance involving 18 companies to enhance drone production and defense capabilities. This initiative aims to utilize unused EU defense funds for joint projects with the Ukrainian defense industry, leveraging Ukraine's expertise in drone technology. The alliance signifies a shift in how Ukraine is viewed in defense collaborations, moving from a recipient to a partner with operational competence.

Dr. Klaus WeberThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is enhancing its mine hunting capabilities through the integration of unmanned vessels and advanced sonar technology. This includes the use of the Angler ROV for mine neutralization and AI for target classification. The discussion highlights the strategic importance of addressing naval mine threats, particularly in contested areas like the Straits of Hormuz and the Baltic Sea.

Indra unveiled the SQUALL, a new low-cost cruise missile designed for mass attacks against targets, in Madrid on 16 September 2026.

Moog showcased a new air defense mission module for the Boxer 8×8 vehicle at DVD 2026 in Tewkesbury. This marks the first integration of the RIwP® system on the Boxer platform, featuring an XM914 cannon, M240 machinegun, and missile systems. The collaboration with KNDS highlights the modular capabilities of the Boxer, enhancing its air defense capabilities for the UK Armed Forces.

Rheinmetall UK opened a new Vibration Test Facility in Telford on 17 September to enhance testing capabilities for the Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank. The facility can simulate demanding operational conditions and is intended to support future defense programs and technologies. It represents a significant investment in the UK's sovereign defense engineering capabilities.

On September 15, 2026, Italian fighter aircraft from NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission intercepted and destroyed a suspected Russian drone that had entered Lithuanian airspace. The drone was believed to be headed for Ukraine and likely strayed from Belarus. This incident underscores the complexities of NATO's air defense and the potential for ambiguous military encounters in the region.

Alexandra ReevesThu Sep 17 2026Loading...

France's Minister for the Armed Forces announced the awarding of the CASSIOPÉE contract to Airbus Defence and Space and Unseenlabs in Rennes on September 17, 2026. This contract initiates the development of new military signal intelligence satellites to replace the CERES constellation by 2032, enhancing France's capabilities in space-based SIGINT. The project is part of the CELESTE program, aimed at ensuring national autonomy in strategic monitoring.

Hanwha Aerospace and Lockheed Martin UK unveiled the Redback infantry fighting vehicle equipped with a 40mm turret at the DVD 2026 exhibition in the United Kingdom. This vehicle features the CTA International 40mm cannon and Lockheed Martin UK's SkyKeeper command-and-control system, enhancing its capabilities for air defense. Australia has ordered 129 Redback vehicles for its LAND 400 Phase 3 program.

Jaguar Land Rover unveiled three variants of the Defender Wolf Series II at the British Army’s DVD 2026 exhibition in Bedfordshire on September 16, 2026. This new military vehicle aims to replace the aging fleet of Wolf-spec Land Rovers that have been in service for over 70 years. The Series II features a modern design built on a lightweight monocoque platform, enhancing its operational capabilities.

The U.S. Navy awarded Saab a $51.5 million contract modification for the production of Sea Giraffe Multi-Mode Radar systems, with work split between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Syracuse, New York. The contract, which includes engineering support and spare parts, is funded by both Coast Guard and Navy accounts and is expected to be completed by December 2028.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $490 million contract to CFM International for up to 24 replacement engine cores for its P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with half allocated for the Navy and half for allied militaries. The contract includes logistics support and will be executed across facilities in France and the U.S., running through September 2031. The P-8A is utilized by multiple countries, reflecting its widespread adoption.

The U.S. Air Force has deployed space control weapons in orbit to counter evolving threats to its space systems. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall announced this development on September 14, 2023, highlighting the necessity of maintaining dominance in space. While specific details about the weapons were not disclosed, the deployment is seen as a critical step in ensuring deterrence against hostile actions.

Isambard Company opened a large factory in London, the largest since WWII, to produce high-precision metal parts for defense equipment. The facility, expected to employ 200 people by 2027, will support major clients like Babcock and Anduril. This move aligns with the growing defense spending in Europe amid rising tensions with Russia.

Intense explosions were reported in Kyiv as Russian forces launched multiple missile strikes on September 17, 2023, between 2:13 AM and 2:20 AM. The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed air raid alerts across the country, indicating the use of MiG-31 aircraft to deliver the missiles. Following the strikes, smoke was observed rising from multiple locations in the Dnipro district of Kyiv, and some areas experienced water supply interruptions.