Analysis & Reports

Roshel has unveiled a new version of the Admiral MRAP armored vehicle in Canada, distinct from its previous models. The vehicle features a V-shaped hull for mine resistance and can accommodate up to 11 personnel. Roshel has been a significant supplier of armored vehicles to Ukraine and is expanding its operations internationally, including contracts with U.S. agencies and a bid for a major Canadian government contract.

Lockheed Martin is proposing the F-16G fighter to the U.S. Air Force to replace aging F-16s more quickly than the F-35 production can accommodate. The F-16G features enhancements for range and sensor capabilities. The Air Force aims to increase its fighter inventory significantly by fiscal 2035, addressing a capacity gap identified in a recent study. Discussions regarding the F-16G are anticipated at an upcoming Corona conference.

Lockheed Martin is proposing the F-16G fighter to the U.S. Air Force as a faster replacement for aging F-16s. The F-16G features enhancements such as conformal fuel tanks and advanced targeting systems. The U.S. Air Force is looking to increase its fighter inventory from 1,098 to 1,558 aircraft by 2035, amid concerns over capacity gaps in its fleet.

The Missile Defense Agency is developing a new mobile radar system, Forward Based Mode Radar Next, to enhance missile tracking capabilities. This system is designed to be rapidly deployable via C-17 aircraft and aims to provide early warning against ballistic and hypersonic threats. The agency emphasizes the need for cost-effective production and low detection signatures for operational effectiveness.

The U.S. Navy has ordered 12 production kits of the High Frequency Over-the-Horizon Communication system (HFORCE) from MaXentric Technologies for $9.6 million. This new long-range radio system is designed to ensure communication capabilities when satellite links are compromised. The project is set to be completed by March 2028, with work being conducted in New Jersey and California.

The U.S. Navy awarded Saab a $51.5 million contract modification for the production of Sea Giraffe Multi-Mode Radar systems, with work split between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Syracuse, New York. The contract, which includes engineering support and spare parts, is funded by both Coast Guard and Navy accounts and is expected to be completed by December 2028.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $490 million contract to CFM International for up to 24 replacement engine cores for its P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with half allocated for the Navy and half for allied militaries. The contract includes logistics support and will be executed across facilities in France and the U.S., running through September 2031. The P-8A is utilized by multiple countries, reflecting its widespread adoption.

Isambard Company opened a large factory in London, the largest since WWII, to produce high-precision metal parts for defense equipment. The facility, expected to employ 200 people by 2027, will support major clients like Babcock and Anduril. This move aligns with the growing defense spending in Europe amid rising tensions with Russia.

U.S. military leaders announced preparations for operations in lunar space during a conference in Maryland on September 16, 2023. The U.S. Space Force plans to double its personnel to about 25,000 over the next five years, focusing on enhancing deterrence capabilities. Additionally, the U.S. has acknowledged the deployment of space control weapons, marking a significant development in its military capabilities in space.

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.

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.

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.