Analysis & Reports

Oshkosh Defense announced a partnership with Grid Aero to scale production of the Lifter drone in Washington. The collaboration aims to produce hundreds to thousands of these unmanned aerial systems by the early 2030s, focusing on modular design for various missions including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Testing of prototypes is ongoing, with a pilot production line expected to launch within a year.

Oshkosh Defense partners with Grid Aero in Washington to scale production of the Lifter drone, designed for various missions including ISR and cargo transport. The partnership aims to produce hundreds to thousands of these drones by the early 2030s, with testing of prototypes ongoing for the next 6 to 12 months. A pilot production line is anticipated to launch within a year.

Leonardo DRS was selected by AeroVironment to provide integration expertise for the U.S. Army’s Enduring-High Energy Laser production program on November 02, 2026. This program marks the Army's first production contract for a high-energy laser weapon system, aimed at enhancing counter-unmanned aircraft system operations. DRS will support the production of the LOCUST X3 laser weapon system, which is designed for integration across multiple military platforms.

Thales' subsidiary, Advanced Acoustic Concepts, was awarded a $53.9 million contract by the U.S. Navy to produce two integrated Remote Mine Hunting (RMH) modules. This contract includes options that could increase its total value to approximately $196.2 million. The RMH solution enhances the Navy's mine countermeasures capabilities by enabling remote detection and classification of undersea mines, thereby improving mission effectiveness and reducing risks in contested maritime environments.

The U.S. Navy's F-111B program was canceled in 1968 due to its excessive weight and performance issues, which made it unsuitable for carrier operations. After spending $375 million on development, Congress decided to terminate the project, leading to the creation of the F-14 Tomcat as a replacement. Grumman played a key role in developing a new fighter that met Navy requirements.

The U.S. Air Force operated the F-117 Nighthawk stealth aircraft in secrecy throughout the 1980s, with about 10,000 personnel involved in maintaining its confidentiality. The aircraft was first acknowledged publicly in 1988 and played a crucial role in Desert Storm, successfully striking over 31% of targets without any losses. The program cost approximately $6.56 billion and has influenced subsequent stealth aircraft designs.

The U.S. Marine Corps is upgrading AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters under the SPINE program, with modifications scheduled to begin in fiscal 2027. The upgrades will enhance the helicopters' capabilities to carry heavier loads and integrate advanced weapon systems. Bell Textron has received contracts totaling $33.6 million for the hardware needed for these upgrades, with first deliveries expected in 2028. Developmental testing is currently ongoing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

The U.S. Army's HADES prototype, a modified Bombardier Global 6500 for signals intelligence, completed its first flight on September 11, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas. This flight marks a significant step in the Army's development of advanced sensing capabilities. The program aims to integrate various sensors and systems to enhance operational effectiveness across multiple domains.

The U.S. Navy is inviting companies to demonstrate cargo drones for the U.S. Marine Corps' TRUAS Increment II program in Huntsville, Alabama, from January 25 to February 5, 2027. The drones must carry 100 pounds to a point 40 nautical miles away and return without refueling. Applications are due by November 30, 2026, and the current TRUAS is the TRV-150C, which has been operational since October 2023.

USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) has been undergoing Refueling and Complex Overhaul since May 2021, with its completion delayed to October 2026. As of now, the carrier is not ready for deployment, facing challenges in systems integration and crew training. These delays have significant implications for U.S. Navy operational readiness, particularly amid ongoing military commitments.

The U.S. Navy is converting its three Zumwalt-class destroyers to launch Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic glide missiles, enhancing their offensive capabilities. Each destroyer, costing $8 billion, will be equipped with 12 hypersonic missiles intended for high-value targets. The Zumwalt-class, designed for stealth and support of Marine operations, has not yet seen combat deployments and has been primarily used for testing.

The U.S. Navy operated the F-16N Viper from 1985 to 1995 as its premier adversary aircraft, simulating various enemy jets during training exercises at locations like Miramar and Key West. The aircraft, known for its high performance and maneuverability, was retired due to structural issues but significantly improved the training of Navy pilots. The Navy continues to utilize F-5 and F-16 aircraft for adversary roles through 2035, though none are expected to match the F-16N's effectiveness.

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) is 99% complete and expected to join the U.S. Navy fleet by March 2027, but it will not be ready for frontline deployment soon. The carrier is currently undergoing final testing at Norfolk Naval Station after leaving the Newport News Shipbuilding Facility. Delays have been caused by issues with its Advanced Weapons Elevators and Advanced Arresting Gear, as well as mandated modifications from Congress.

The U.S. Navy ordered $114.7 million in upgrades for AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters, including 15 A-kits and 4 mission kits. The upgrades aim to enhance electrical capacity and structural integrity, allowing the helicopters to carry new equipment. Work is scheduled to be completed by June 2028, with significant portions of the work taking place in Texas and Maryland. The U.S. Marine Corps operates approximately 189 Vipers and 160 Venoms, which will benefit from these enhancements.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently undergoing Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia, since July 7, 2026. Following a 326-day deployment, the carrier is expected to complete repairs and begin sea trials in May 2027, with a realistic return to deployable status in early 2028. The shipyard faces logistical challenges as it undertakes repairs on the first Ford-class carrier.

FN Browning Group acquired Accuracy International on 30 October 2026, enhancing its capabilities in precision rifle systems. This acquisition strengthens FN Browning Group's position as the sole UK manufacturer of military machine guns and rifles, expanding its industrial footprint in the UK and reinforcing its commitment to defense manufacturing.

The U.S. Navy's A-12 Avenger II program was canceled on January 7, 1991, due to cost overruns and manufacturing difficulties. Only a mockup was produced, and the Navy subsequently opted for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as a replacement. The cancellation marked a significant setback in the development of stealth capabilities for the Navy.

EOS Defense Systems is preparing to produce the Slinger counter-drone system in the United States. This system will incorporate AI-assisted targeting and adjustable levels of autonomy, enhancing its operational capabilities.

Lockheed Martin constructed the SR-71C from components of a ground mock-up and a YF-12A interceptor after an SR-71B trainer crashed on January 11, 1968. The SR-71C faced serious handling problems during test flights but served as a replacement trainer for Blackbird pilots. It was retired from service on June 24, 1976, and is now displayed at Hill Air Force Base.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a $1.08 billion contract by the US Army to develop and test the PAC-3 Edge interceptor. This contract represents a significant advancement in the Army's Future Interceptor programme.