Analysis & Reports

In 2015, the French Navy's Rubis-class submarine Saphir conducted simulated torpedo attacks against the USS Theodore Roosevelt off the coast of Florida. The exercise revealed vulnerabilities in the carrier's defenses, as the submarine successfully penetrated the protective envelope and targeted the carrier and its escorts. This incident raised concerns about the effectiveness of large naval vessels against smaller, older submarines.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, which include the HMS Queen Elizabeth, can only operate F-35B stealth fighters due to design constraints. The carriers left Portsmouth on September 5, 2024, for three months of operations and training across Northern Europe and Britain. This limitation stems from a previous decision to abandon plans for F-35C compatibility, which would have required significant modifications to the carriers.

GA-ASI and Tactical Air Support showcased their advancements in passive sensing and semi-autonomous aircraft in San Diego on September 15, 2026. This demonstration highlighted how these technologies can effectively close kill chains against adversaries.

The Space Force plans to launch the Resilient Radar System-Ground (RRS-G) satellite constellation by 2028 to track ground targets from orbit. The 77th Surveillance Squadron has been established to initiate ground moving target indicator missions. The program is developed by Northrop Grumman, with a budget request of $1.02 billion for GMTI procurement in fiscal 2027.

Colt Canada unveiled the new C25 rifle at DVD 2026 in Millbrook, UK, on 16 September 2026. The C25, chambered in 5.56 x 45mm NATO, features enhancements for accuracy and performance, addressing modern battlefield challenges. Approximately 3,000 Colt Canada weapon systems are currently in service with the British Army and other European forces.

The U.S. Air Force announced the creation of a new point-defense career field to protect bases from drones and missiles, with operations expected to begin within two years. Training for approximately 20 airmen is currently underway at the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems University. The initiative includes investments in new weapon systems and technology to enhance base defense capabilities against aerial threats.

Various military and defense systems were showcased at the 2026 AFA Air Space & Cyber conference in Maryland. Northrop Grumman presented its counter-drone system, while RTX displayed a Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display for pilots. Ursa Major exhibited liquid-fueled rocket engines, and the Air Force Research Laboratory showcased a battlefield blood recycling system. Additionally, Teledyne Flir brought ground robots to the event.

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that the SPICE 1000 bomb technology will soon be integrated for use with the F-35 fighter aircraft. This integration is a collaborative effort with Lockheed Martin, taking place in the United States, and is expected to be completed within a few months. The SPICE 1000 allows precision strikes from a distance of 75 miles and has been a primary munition for the Israeli Air Force.

The U.S. military is preparing for potential conflict in cislunar space and on the moon, as stated by Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. He highlighted the need for readiness in contested environments, while concerns grow over China's activities in the region. The Outer Space Treaty of 1967 poses legal challenges for military operations on celestial bodies, prompting U.S. lawmakers to evaluate space law requirements to address these emerging threats.

Gen. Dan Caine stated that the U.S. military must adapt to future conflicts characterized by autonomous systems and advanced technology. He highlighted the importance of readiness and the integration of AI tools and drones in military operations. Caine noted the evolving nature of warfare, particularly with the military partnership between Russia and Iran, which poses new challenges for U.S. forces.

The U.S. Army is investing nearly $5 billion to enhance its helicopter defenses with new anti-missile laser systems, awarding Northrop Grumman a $4.8 billion contract for the CIRCM program. This upgrade aims to protect against shoulder-fired missiles and will equip all Army rotary-wing aircraft. As of 2023, over 700 systems have been delivered, with the contract extending through 2035.

The U.S. Navy commissioned USS Cleveland on May 16, 2023, and decommissioned USS Fort Worth on July 29, 2023, amid ongoing issues with the Littoral Combat Ship program. The program, which cost over $20 billion, has seen six ships retired early due to failures and modifications that undermined initial cost and schedule advantages. The Navy is now focusing on lessons learned to improve future ship designs and procurement processes.

Hanwha Defense USA and Magnet Defense are commencing construction of a new medium unmanned surface vessel (MUSV) named H38 in Washington this fall, with testing set for early next year. The H38 will be based on the M48 MUSV, which has successfully completed a 32,000-nautical mile mission. The Navy has expressed interest in modular capabilities for these vessels.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is currently a year behind schedule on its orbital mesh network for satellite data relay, as revealed by SDA director G.P. Sandhoo at the AFA 2026 conference in National Harbor, Maryland. The network is crucial for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PSWA) and aims to enhance data transfer between satellites. Delays are attributed to supply chain issues with Optical Communication Terminals (OCTs), prompting SDA to explore alternative suppliers for future satellite tranches.

The Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines, displacing 7,800 tons, are compared to the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarines, which displace 7,900 tons. Both classes are recognized for their advanced capabilities, including stealth and armament. The Astute-class is noted for its superior test depth and speed, while the Virginia-class has a larger crew and missile capacity. This comparison highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two navies regarding submarine technology.

Swarmer has agreed to acquire Ratel Robotics, a major Ukrainian combat robot manufacturer, for up to $224 million. The deal, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, will integrate Ratel's unmanned ground vehicles with Swarmer's AI-powered coordination software. This acquisition aims to enhance military capabilities by combining ground and air drone operations, with Ratel's technology already supporting numerous combat missions in Ukraine.

The U.S. Army is investing an additional $818 million in the production of the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) to replace the aging M113 troop carriers. This funding increases the total contract value with BAE Systems to over $3.3 billion, with production expected to continue until May 31, 2030. The AMPV will be produced in multiple variants to fulfill various roles within the Army's armored brigade combat teams.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $1.21 billion contract to develop the Precision Strike Missile Increment 2, aimed at replenishing stocks depleted during combat against Iran. This missile will enhance capabilities to target moving threats and is expected to be completed by September 13, 2031. The contract reflects the urgency of rebuilding missile inventories after significant usage in recent military operations.

Lockheed Martin and L3Harris are significantly increasing the production of Patriot PAC-3 missiles, aiming for 2,000 units annually by 2027. This surge responds to urgent demands from Ukraine and NATO allies facing missile threats. The production expansion highlights the need for a diversified air defense strategy, as current reliance on expensive interceptors is unsustainable against cheaper drone threats. NATO's air defense capabilities remain under strain, necessitating coordinated procurement and increased production efforts across Europe.

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DroneShield successfully installed and accepted its DroneSentry-X Mk2 counter-drone system on U.S. military Infantry Squad Vehicles in Warrenton, Virginia, on 16 September 2026. This achievement establishes initial operational capability for the technology, which provides mobile detection and electronic countermeasures against uncrewed aerial threats. The program includes operator training and further installations planned under a contract modification.