Analysis & Reports

Joint Task Force-Southern Border tested the upgraded Bumblebee Version 2 interceptor drones near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21. The drones are designed to disable hostile drones by ramming them, enhancing border security under Operation Ardent Vanguard. The military reported significant drone activity in the area, primarily related to reconnaissance for human trafficking.

U.S. Army soldiers tested the Anduril-built Heimdal Mobile Trailer Kit near Chaparral, New Mexico, on October 21, 2025, as part of efforts to intercept illegal drone flights at the southern border. The system integrates radar and thermal cameras to enhance drone detection capabilities. In the preceding month, the Joint Task Force-Southern Border recorded significant drone activity, including 378 detections and one captured drone.

DARPA is launching the FLASH program to develop diverse military systems capable of resisting cyber attacks. The initiative, announced on November 3, 2026, seeks to create multiple versions of military systems that maintain the same operational capabilities while differing in design to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited. Responses to the request for information are due by November 30, 2026, as DARPA aims to enhance the resilience of cyber-physical systems.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $38.2 million sole-source task order to Oceaneering International for the continued development of TETRA II, a submarine system designed for launching and recovering unmanned underwater vehicles. This contract, signed on Sept. 2 and announced on Nov. 3, supports the integration of the TETRA system into operational submarines. The program has been ongoing since 2019 and involves various aspects of engineering and logistics.

The Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) is modernizing its fleet of C-130H aircraft through a contract with L3Harris, which will upgrade 11 of the 15 aircraft starting in 2025. Maintenance Aero Maroc has completed the overhaul of one C-130H at Bensliman air base, with aspirations to overhaul the entire fleet by 2029. The first upgraded aircraft is expected to return to Morocco by the end of 2027.

The Russian Navy's Akula-class submarines were developed to track and potentially engage US Ohio-class submarines during the Cold War. Only 15 of the planned 25 were completed, with advanced technology like the SOKS wake detection system enhancing their stealth capabilities. Notably, an Akula-class submarine reportedly tracked an Ohio-class submarine in 1996, highlighting its operational effectiveness. Today, 3-4 Akula-class submarines remain in service.

The U.S. military is beginning to adopt unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) following Ukraine's lead, with over $115 million committed for UGV projects in fiscal 2026. Ukraine has ordered more than 22,000 UGVs for logistics and combat roles. The U.S. Marine Corps is developing UGVs for naval strike missions, while the Army's 75th Ranger Regiment is acquiring IBEX UGVs for logistics and counter-UAV defense.

The US Air Force has divested its three A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, which were deemed unsuitable for the Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The aircraft were previously acquired by Air Force Special Operations Command but were off-loaded due to changing mission requirements. The Air Force is now exploring future options for a sustainable aircraft and plans to contract SNC for their storage.

The U.S. Air Force is soliciting the defense industry for the development of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a new cruise missile intended for Ukraine. The missile is designed to be a 500-pound class weapon with a range exceeding 250 nautical miles and is part of a broader initiative to expedite weapon production. The Air Force aims to have the first ERAMs delivered within three months of contract award, with a total of over 1,000 units planned.

US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) awarded a $13.8 million contract to Aeon Industrial for the production of less than 100 shoulder-fired Zeus missile systems, designed for urban environments. The modular weapon allows operators to quickly adapt its capabilities in the field. This contract represents a significant advancement in the development and delivery of the Zeus system, which has undergone extensive testing and development.

A wing-flapping drone, the O1 ornithopter, successfully evaded detection during the U.S. Air Force's 'Game of Drones' exercise in the Mojave Desert on September 17, 2026. The drone mimics bird flight mechanics, allowing it to blend into its environment and avoid sensor detection. It can fly up to 10 kilometers and is designed for intelligence collection and surveillance missions.

The U.S. Marine Corps and Navy will conduct a technology demonstration for battlefield cargo drones in Huntsville, Alabama, from January 25 to February 5, 2027. This event will showcase the Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS), which aims to enhance logistics support for small units. The drones will perform multiple flights, demonstrating their ability to transport payloads autonomously under various conditions.

The first F-16 Block 72 aircraft flew from Lockheed Martin's Greenville facility in South Carolina on October 6, 2023. The Royal Moroccan Air Force has ordered 25 of these advanced fighters, which will be equipped with the AN/APG-83 AESA radar and AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in late 2027 or early 2028, with no upgrades planned for the existing Block 52+ fleet.

Leidos is coordinating a nationwide supplier network in the United States to enhance the production of its Low-Cost Containerised Missile (LCCM) and AGM-190A Havoc Spear cruise missile programs.

The D.C. National Guard improved the quality of life for its personnel by serving 8,000 to 10,000 meals daily and transitioning guardsmen from cots to apartments. This change, initiated in August 2025, involved switching food vendors and addressing feedback from soldiers. By October 2026, the Guard had established better living conditions and meal standards, showcasing a successful model for military logistics and troop welfare in Washington, D.C.

Raytheon won a contract from DARPA on November 3 to develop photonic circuits under the PICASSO program. This technology aims to enhance military capabilities by processing signals with light, improving response times and situational awareness. The program will unfold in two phases, focusing on circuit-level methods and specific functions.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is producing the FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the U.S. Air Force, with initial production underway. The Gambit Series of Uncrewed Aerial Combat Vehicles is designed to operate alongside crewed fighters, addressing modern air defense threats. Gambit 6, optimized for European needs, will be available for international procurement starting in 2027, enhancing military capabilities against advanced threats.

Dan Driscoll joined OpenAI as a senior counselor for national security modernization in Washington. He will focus on leveraging AI to enhance national security and cybersecurity, advising senior leadership and external partners. Driscoll, a former Secretary of the Army, aims to promote the responsible use of AI in collaboration with U.S. allies.

Dan Driscoll has joined OpenAI as a senior counselor for national security modernization in Washington. He will focus on advising on the responsible use of AI to enhance national security and cybersecurity. Driscoll, a former Secretary of the Army, aims to help the U.S. and its allies leverage AI technology effectively.

Oshkosh Defense and Grid Aero announced a strategic partnership to develop autonomous modular payload aircraft technology in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This collaboration aims to meet the Department of War's urgent need for resilient aircraft solutions. The partnership will utilize Oshkosh's manufacturing capabilities to produce Lifter aircraft at scale, focusing on production engineering and customer engagement.