Analysis & Reports

The YF-118G Bird of Prey was developed by the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s as a low-cost technology demonstrator for stealth capabilities. It was part of a classified program until its public unveiling in 2002 and influenced subsequent unmanned systems like the Boeing X-45. The program aimed to simplify stealth technology and reduce costs, laying the groundwork for modern military aircraft designs.

The U.S. Army aims for the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) to achieve full qualification by 2028, following delays and funding challenges. The program received $175 million in fiscal 2026 to continue testing, which includes 6,500 hours of required evaluations. The first flight test occurred in May 2023 with a UH-60 Black Hawk, and the ITEP is designed to replace existing T700 engines in military helicopters.

The Lebanese Armed Forces received 39 VAB armored personnel carriers from France during a ceremony at the Port of Beirut on March 31. The event was attended by French Minister Delegate Alice Rufo and Lebanese Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Hassan Audi. This delivery aims to support the army's mobility and operational readiness amid increasing internal security demands in Lebanon.

Azawad rebel forces conducted a drone and missile strike on a military compound in Anefis, Mali, on March 30, 2026, targeting Malian Armed Forces and Russian personnel. The attack resulted in heavy losses and significant material damage, with secondary explosions reported from a munitions storage site. This operation is part of an ongoing campaign by Tuareg-led separatist forces against government troops and their Russian allies.

Ukraine is expanding its e-Points defence procurement system, which now includes bonuses for innovative use of drones. This initiative aims to enhance the country's military capabilities and procurement processes.

China has positioned 1,700 missiles targeting U.S. bases in the Pacific, including over 1,300 intermediate-range ballistic missiles and 400 ground-launched cruise missiles. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has developed advanced hypersonic missiles capable of overwhelming U.S. defenses, threatening critical installations in Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, and Guam. Experts warn that these capabilities could severely disrupt U.S. military operations in the region during a conflict.

Northrop Grumman demonstrated the capabilities of its Lumberjack drone during the U.S. Army's Operation Lethal Eagle on March 31. The drone showcased autonomous mission control and simulated the deployment of the Hatchet precision strike munition. It utilized AI for adaptive targeting and maintained beyond-line-of-sight communications for real-time updates. The exercise evaluated multiple emerging systems from the defense industrial base, highlighting collaboration between military and industry.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, which is expected to revolutionize air combat with its advanced stealth, speed, and AI capabilities. This aircraft will operate in the Pacific, enhancing U.S. military readiness against potential threats from China. The F-47 will utilize cutting-edge technologies, including AI for targeting and control of unmanned systems, to maintain air superiority.

The UK Armed Forces have received nearly 8,000 uncrewed systems (UxS) over the last 18 months, indicating a gradual increase in military capabilities. This delivery reflects the UK's ongoing efforts to enhance its military technology and operational readiness.

The U.S. Army conducted evaluation testing of the Hornet DE-2 kamikaze drone at the Grafenwoehr Training Area in Germany. This lightweight drone, with an operational range of about eight miles, is designed as a low-cost tactical strike asset. It can operate independently or in swarms, utilizing AI-assisted control to engage targets effectively, even in challenging electronic environments.

The U.S. Navy developed the A-12 Avenger II stealth bomber program from 1983 until its cancellation in 1991 due to cost overruns and technological challenges. Initially intended to replace the A-6 Intruder, the program aimed for a fleet of 620 aircraft but was ultimately abandoned after $5 billion was spent. The cancellation left a significant gap in U.S. Naval aviation capabilities until the introduction of the F-35C.

Iranian Armed Forces launched drone strikes against Israeli companies, including Siemens and AT&T, on March 31 in retaliation for attacks on Iranian infrastructure by Israel and the U.S. The strikes targeted facilities providing advanced technology to the Israeli military, located near Ben Gurion International Airport and in Haifa.

The AUKUS submarine deal is under scrutiny as former Prime Minister Paul Keating criticizes its viability. On February 25, 2025, the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class submarine USS Minnesota arrived in Western Australia, highlighting ongoing military cooperation. The failure of AUKUS could lead to a significant submarine capability gap for Australia, jeopardizing its national security and that of its allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

Marine Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas was indicted for stealing and selling Javelin Missile Systems and other military-grade weapons from Camp Pendleton, California, to co-conspirators in Arizona. The theft occurred between February 2022 and January 2026, with some stolen items recovered. Amarillas faces multiple federal charges and potential imprisonment if convicted.

The Su-57 Felon fighter jet, operated by the Russian Air Force, is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2 and has a range of over 2,200 miles. It features advanced radar systems and a stealthy design, raising concerns about its threat level compared to Western aircraft like the F-35. Current reports indicate ongoing developments in manned-unmanned teaming capabilities with drones, which may enhance its operational effectiveness.

Getac Technology Corporation launched the CommandCore rugged drone control solution in Irvine, California, on March 24, 2026. This solution integrates rugged hardware with industry-specific accessories for various operational scenarios, particularly in defense and public safety. CommandCore supports real-time data processing and drone control in extreme conditions, enhancing mission capabilities across multiple sectors.

Lockheed Martin opened the Rapid Fielding Center in Dallas on March 31, 2026, to enhance the development and production of defense systems. The facility aims to streamline processes, allowing for rapid prototyping and scaling of capabilities. Lockheed Martin has invested over $7 billion to expand production capacity and plans further investments to modernize facilities across Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas.

Rheinmetall announced a partnership with Boeing Australia to provide MQ-28 Ghost Bat drones to the German military on March 31, 2023. The drones will be customized to meet the needs of the German Armed Forces, with deliveries expected to start in 2029. The Ghost Bat drone is designed for independent surveillance and reconnaissance missions and is currently in the development phase, having completed over 150 test flights.

Iran has launched missile strikes against various targets in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Beersheba, as part of a long-term plan to weaken Israeli and U.S. military presence in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted these operations on March 31, 2023, utilizing missiles and attack drones against U.S. bases in the UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Rheinmetall announced a collaboration with Boeing to provide the MQ-28 Ghost Bat as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft for the German Air Force, aiming for a 2029 service entry. The partnership will focus on system integration and support, competing against Airbus and Kratos, who are offering the XQ-58A Valkyrie. This initiative follows Rheinmetall's recent challenges regarding comments on the Ukrainian drone industry.