Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is phasing out the 62 Los Angeles-class submarines due to technological and structural limitations. Plans are underway to extend the service life of some submarines as a stopgap measure while transitioning to the Virginia-class submarines. The AUKUS agreement may further affect U.S. submarine production capacity.

Keith Kellogg, former special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, joined the advisory board of Powerus, a Florida-based startup focused on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology for the U.S. military. This move reflects growing U.S. interest in Ukrainian defense technology, despite stalled diplomatic talks regarding the conflict with Russia. Powerus plans to go public following a merger, indicating a significant shift in defense tech collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg joined the advisory board of Powerus, a Florida-based startup focused on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology for the U.S. military. This move indicates a growing interest among U.S. investors in Ukrainian defense technology, despite stalled diplomatic talks regarding the conflict with Russia. Powerus plans to go public following a merger, highlighting the increasing commercial ties between U.S. and Ukrainian defense sectors.

The U.S. military has been developing hypersonic weapons for nearly 25 years but faces competition from Russia and China, which have operational hypersonic glide vehicles. U.S. funding for hypersonic research has decreased, and various programs are still in development. Russia has reportedly used hypersonic weapons in combat, potentially giving it an advantage. The U.S. military is prioritizing hypersonic development to catch up with its adversaries.

The U.S. Navy resurrected the 150 kW Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) demonstrator for military exercises, successfully testing it against drone targets during the Crimson Dragon exercise in March 2025. Originally installed on the USS Portland, the system was deinstalled in 2023 before being called back into service. This move reflects the Navy's ongoing efforts to enhance its directed energy capabilities amid a shortage of operational laser weapons.

The U.S. Navy resurrected a 150 kW Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) demonstrator for military exercises, successfully testing it against drone targets in the Gulf of Aden. This system, previously installed on the USS Portland, was reactivated for the Crimson Dragon exercise in March 2025. The Navy aims to address capability gaps against aerial drones and small explosive-laden boats with this advanced laser weapon.

The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a $48 million agreement with Elbit Systems for the procurement of tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells. This deal is part of Israel's ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities.

Iran launched missile strikes against Gulf Cooperation Council states on February 28, 2026, following U.S. and Israeli operations. GCC air defenses intercepted over 90% of incoming threats, including significant numbers of missiles and drones. The conflict has revealed vulnerabilities in drone interception capabilities and highlighted the role of Russian intelligence in supporting Iranian operations. The effectiveness of GCC defenses has reshaped regional security dynamics.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Mar 31 2026Loading...

Honeywell International received a $45 million contract modification to modernize the powerplant of the M1 Abrams tanks. This upgrade focuses on the J8 digital electronic control unit for the AGT1500 gas turbine engine, enhancing performance and operational parameters. The total contract value has risen to $2.73 billion, with completion expected by September 30, 2029.

RTX secured a $3.81 billion contract modification to produce F135 propulsion systems for Lot 18 and Lot 19 F-35 Lightning II aircraft. The contract, awarded on March 30, 2023, supports continued production amid high demand from U.S. services and international partners. Work will be conducted across multiple U.S. locations, with completion expected by March 2028.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force confirmed the deployment of Type-25 surface-to-ship missiles and hyper velocity gliding projectiles at Camp Kengun and Camp Fuji. This marks the first operational use of domestically developed stand-off missiles, enhancing Japan's counterstrike capabilities amid increasing regional security threats. The Type-25 systems are designed to target distant maritime and land-based threats, with a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers.

ASELSAN successfully launched its LUNA-2 satellite into space from California, USA, on March 30, 2026. This satellite enhances Türkiye's space-based Internet of Things capabilities, providing secure sensor data transmission even in remote areas. The entire design and development process was carried out by ASELSAN, showcasing its national engineering capabilities.

Norway delivered 39 XR training systems to the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2023 as part of a Nordic defense technology collaboration. The systems, valued at approximately $8.3 million, are designed to enhance training for armored vehicles, including the Leopard 2A4 tank, by providing a secure virtual training environment. This initiative aims to address training delays and operational risks faced by Ukrainian forces due to limited access to physical vehicles.

The Ukrainian Defense Technology Cluster Brave1 and NATO launched the UNITE — Brave NATO program on 25 March 2026, aimed at developing counter-UAV technology and electronic warfare solutions. The initiative encourages collaboration between Ukrainian and NATO defense companies to create joint innovations, with a total budget of 10 million euros for the first round. Finalists will undergo testing in Ukraine, with winners announced in summer 2026.

CSG acquired a 49% stake in Hirtenberger Defence Systems in Austria, enhancing its capabilities in mortar systems and ammunition production. This acquisition aims to strengthen CSG's manufacturing base in Europe and improve its response to growing international demand for ammunition. The partnership will also explore establishing a joint venture in Slovakia to support industrial programs and sales capabilities.

PR-DC announced the introduction of the IKA-ROCKET, the world's first military-certified multicopter capable of launching three aircraft rockets, on March 31, 2026. The multicopter, based on the IKA-20-M drone, has successfully undergone testing to withstand rocket launches during both hover and forward flight. This development marks a significant advancement in armed multicopter technology, showcasing its adaptability for various mission-relevant payloads.

Rheinmetall and Boeing Australia have formed a strategic partnership to provide the MQ-28 Ghost Bat to the Bundeswehr by 2029. This collaboration aims to enhance Germany's military capabilities with a proven autonomous combat aircraft designed for various mission profiles. Rheinmetall will oversee the integration of the MQ-28 into Germany's existing military systems, ensuring operational support and adaptation to national requirements.

DroneShield and Origin Robotics signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Sydney on 31 March 2026 to collaborate on defense and security projects. This partnership aims to enhance counter-UAS capabilities by combining DroneShield's advanced detection systems with Origin Robotics' interceptor platforms. Both companies intend to address emerging threats posed by low-cost kamikaze drones, providing operators with scalable and effective solutions.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) unveiled the 054B frigate in March 2026, showcasing its advanced AI capabilities for air defense. This event coincided with China's announcement of a $277 billion defense budget, reflecting ongoing military modernization efforts. The 054B is expected to play a crucial role in naval operations alongside other PLAN vessels, enhancing China's maritime capabilities in the region.

Li MinghuiTue Mar 31 2026Loading...

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy conducted multiple strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets on March 31, 2023. They launched ballistic missiles at an Israeli container ship in the Persian Gulf and destroyed a U.S. military camouflage site in the UAE using drones. Additionally, U.S. air defense systems near Bahrain and radar systems at the Ahmad Jaber Air Base in Kuwait were also targeted and destroyed.