Analysis & Reports

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.

BAE Systems launched its Shadow EW™ family of compact electronic warfare solutions in Nashua, designed for small airborne platforms. These solutions enhance situational awareness and self-defense capabilities, supporting mission effectiveness in contested environments. The products are developed for high-volume production using commercial microchips, allowing for rapid integration and delivery.

Steadicopter Ltd. announced the completion of the airworthiness validation process for its Black Eagle 50E unmanned helicopter in Reno, Nevada, on September 15, 2026. This milestone, validated by the Nevada UASTS, enables expanded U.S. operations and supports various missions including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Alchemy Analytics will coordinate further operational activities and customer demonstrations.

IDV has been selected by the U.S. Army for the Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability initiative, focusing on developing autonomous systems to breach obstacles and minefields. The initiative aims to enhance mission effectiveness while minimizing risks to soldiers. IDV's solution includes the VIKING Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, which integrates advanced autonomy technologies. The Army plans to evaluate these capabilities through demonstrations and operational assessments.

The Marine Corps tested a new unmanned surface vessel (USV) at Camp Pendleton in late August 2023 as part of the Littoral Explosive Ordnance Neutralization (LEON) system. The USV, equipped with sonar and communication gear, can operate autonomously for up to 14 hours, aiding in mine detection and serving as a communications relay. Marines from the 7th Engineer Support Battalion participated in the testing, which was deemed successful, with plans to field the USV by fiscal year 2027.

The U.S. Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a $34.4 million contract modification to provide 8 Link 16 kits for UH-1Y Venom and 9 for AH-1Z Viper helicopters, enhancing secure battlefield data sharing. This upgrade allows Marine helicopter crews to share tactical information more efficiently, similar to other Link 16-equipped units. The additional kits are expected to be delivered by March 2027.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is integrating the SPICE 1000 precision-guided munition onto the F-35 Adir fighter jet in collaboration with Lockheed Martin in the United States. This integration, announced on September 15, 2026, allows the F-35 to utilize a munition capable of striking targets from over 120 km away. The Israeli Air Force has previously employed SPICE 1000 on its F-15 and F-16 fleets.

Anduril Industries showcased new weapons fit checks for the FQ-44 Fury aircraft, indicating its capability to carry various munitions for the U.S. Air Force. The Fury is part of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to pair uncrewed fighters with crewed aircraft. The U.S. Air Force plans to order between 100 and 150 aircraft, enhancing operational capabilities alongside existing fighter jets.

The U.S. Army released a new biological defense strategy on September 8, 2023, aimed at improving operational capabilities against biological threats. The strategy focuses on five key areas, including knowledge building, situational awareness, and modernization of biological defense equipment. It incorporates lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the use of AI and machine learning tools for enhanced monitoring and response.

Canada will receive its first 16 F-35A fighter jets at Luke Air Force Base in 2026, with full delivery to Canada expected by 2028. Saab is proposing to manufacture Gripen E fighters in Canada, while the UK funds Gripen deliveries to Ukraine. The Canadian CF-18 fleet is set for retirement by 2032, prompting discussions on military procurement options.

Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center claim to have identified vulnerabilities in the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider through simulations using the PADJ-X modeling platform. They suggest potential improvements in the aircraft's design, although these findings are based on estimates without direct access to the aircraft. The U.S. Air Force is moving forward with preparations for the B-21's operational deployment at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota.

Saab is proposing that Canada order 40 JAS 39 Gripen fighters to support local assembly, framing it as a choice for a sovereign aerospace industry. The Canadian government is reviewing its planned purchase of 88 F-35s and considering a mixed fleet of aircraft. Saab has been selected as the preferred supplier for airborne early-warning capabilities, and discussions are ongoing regarding the GlobalEye surveillance aircraft.

The Chengdu J-20 is designed for long-range BVR combat, primarily targeting AWACS and aerial refuelers while also capable of limited air-to-ground missions against U.S. bases in the Pacific. It is not a direct competitor to the F-22 Raptor but serves a different strategic role. The J-20 has a longer combat range than the F-22, although its stealth capabilities are considered inferior.

Pratt & Whitney announced that the F-35 engine upgrade has successfully passed a crucial design review, allowing the program to advance to testing phases. Ground testing is set to commence in 2027, followed by flight testing around 2030, with production expected to start in 2031. The upgrade aims to enhance engine performance and reduce maintenance costs, benefiting all variants of the F-35.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its aerial refueling tanker fleet, focusing on the KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-46A Pegasus. This ongoing recapitalization aims to enhance mission capability and ensure the joint force's success. Officials emphasize the importance of connectivity and industry partnerships to expedite the delivery of capabilities. The modernization efforts will continue for decades, supporting both legacy and new platforms.

Anduril Industries is unable to commence production of FQ-44 Fury drones until the FY27 budget is approved by Congress, expected by December 2023. The company is currently building prototypes and integrating munitions at its Arsenal-1 facility in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. Air Force anticipates having 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft in service by 2032, with ongoing tests and integration efforts underway at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada.

USS Georgia retired at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on July 27, 2024, marking the beginning of the retirement process for the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class submarines. These submarines, capable of carrying 154 Tomahawk missiles each, represent a significant loss of missile launch positions, totaling 616 across four vessels. The Navy plans to redesignate 19 Virginia-class submarines to partially compensate for this loss, but no direct replacements for the Ohio-class SSGNs are planned.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed the existence of space control weapons capable of offensive operations during a meeting in Maryland on October 14, 2023. This acknowledgment marks the first time the U.S. has recognized its offensive capabilities in space, raising concerns about a potential arms race. Experts warn that this development could lead to increased military tensions and conflict in outer space.