Analysis & Reports

Smart Shooter secured its first contract with the US Joint Interagency Task Force 401 for the supply of SMASH 2000LE fire control systems. The details regarding the size and time of the contract were not specified.

Russia's air force has conducted 30,000 sorties over Ukraine since February 2022 but has failed to establish air superiority. Despite operating modern aircraft like the Su-34 and Su-35S, the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have suffered significant losses, including 41 Su-34s. Ukraine's air defenses, bolstered by Western systems, have effectively countered Russian air operations, resulting in high kill rates of enemy aircraft and munitions.

Russia developed the Sierra Class submarines, including the Sierra I and II, which feature titanium hulls for deep diving. Only four submarines were built due to high costs and complexity. The U.S. Navy responded with the Mark 48 torpedo, designed to effectively target these submarines. Currently, the operational status of the Sierra II submarines is limited, primarily due to maintenance challenges.

In 1958, a U.S. B-47 bomber jettisoned a nuclear weapon off the coast of Georgia during an emergency. The weapon was never recovered and is believed to be buried in coastal waters. This incident is part of a series of 'Broken Arrow' events involving lost nuclear weapons, which do not pose a risk of nuclear war. U.S. military protocols have since changed to prevent such occurrences.

The Pentagon is weighing the redirection of military aid, including air defense interceptor missiles, originally intended for Ukraine to the Middle East due to supply strains from the ongoing conflict in Iran. U.S. military operations in the region have intensified, with significant targets struck in Iran. NATO officials confirmed ongoing contributions to Ukraine's military aid program.

The Pentagon is weighing the redirection of military aid originally intended for Ukraine to the Middle East due to supply strains from the war in Iran. This includes air defense interceptor missiles purchased through a NATO initiative. U.S. military operations in the region have intensified, with over 10,000 targets hit in Iran. NATO officials confirmed ongoing contributions to the military aid program for Ukraine.

The 4th Infantry Division is developing next-generation command-and-control software and vehicles in Huntsville, Alabama, with soldier feedback shaping the process. General Pat Ellis emphasized a shift towards accepting technology that meets 40% of requirements initially, allowing for iterative improvements. This approach marks a significant change in the Army's acquisition model, focusing on active soldier participation in technology development.

Iran acquired 80 F-14A Tomcats and 633 AIM-54 Phoenix missiles from the U.S. in 1974, using them extensively during the Iran-Iraq War. Despite sanctions and a lack of support post-1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force has kept the F-14s operational through various means. However, the fleet's effectiveness has declined over the years due to aging airframes and diminishing resources.

MBDA plans to double its Aster air-defense missile production in 2026 due to rising demand, as stated by CEO Éric Béranger in Paris. The company will also increase overall missile output by 40% this year and hire 2,800 additional workers. With a record order backlog of €44.4 billion, MBDA is expanding its production capabilities and investing heavily in new sites and equipment.

Russia has modified and deployed numerous Molniya drones for reconnaissance and surveillance in Ukraine by March 2026. These drones, made from inexpensive materials, are equipped with advanced features such as high-definition cameras and Starlink terminals, enhancing their operational capabilities. The modifications allow for effective intelligence gathering and target identification, addressing challenges posed by Ukrainian electronic warfare and interceptor drones.

KNDS and Elbit Systems launched a joint venture named EuroPULS GmbH in Kassel, Germany, on 26 March 2026, to market the EuroPULS rocket artillery system. This 50:50 partnership aims to enhance the defense capabilities of European armed forces. Germany has ordered five initial operational capability (IOC) Launchers, with delivery scheduled for 2027.

The Unified Force of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), comprising 6,000 soldiers, was established in December 2025 in Niamey, Niger, to combat escalating violence in the Sahel. The force aims to operate across borders without restrictions, unlike the previous G5 Sahel force. JNIM and ISSP have intensified their attacks, including a significant assault on Niamey's airport, highlighting the urgent need for effective military coordination in the region.

Marie DuboisThu Mar 26 2026Loading...

The M48 Patton tank, built by four American factories, saw extensive use in conflicts such as the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War and the Vietnam War. A total of 12,000 units were produced, and while the U.S. Army retired the tank in 1987, it remains in service with eight countries, including Thailand and Morocco. The tank is recognized for its combat performance and historical significance.

Latvia has commenced the delivery of CVR(T) armored combat vehicles, specifically the Spartan and Scimitar variants, to Ukraine. This action represents a significant military aid effort to support Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Mexico selected the Canadian-made Roshel Senator MRAP armored vehicle for its armed forces and federal police after successful trials at the end of last year. The decision reflects the need for protected mobility platforms to confront threats from organized criminal groups. The Senator MRAP, built on a Ford F-550 chassis, is designed for high-risk environments and can be adapted for various missions.

The U.S. Navy has discontinued the Modular Attack Surface Craft (MASC) program and launched a new marketplace for Medium Unmanned Surface Vessels (MUSV) in Washington. This initiative aims to expedite the procurement of unmanned vessels, with the first marketplace iteration opening on April 17, 2023. The Navy plans to test these vessels on water by the end of the fiscal year, with funding derived from a recent $2.1 billion allocation.

HENSOLDT published its annual report for 2025, confirming profitable growth and emphasizing the need for enhanced defense capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The report highlights the importance of information superiority in military conflicts and outlines the company's strategic initiatives, including expanded production and logistics capabilities. CEO Oliver Dörre noted that structural changes in defense spending reflect a shift in political perspectives in Europe.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is three months behind schedule in demonstrating optical intersatellite links for its satellite network in the Indo-Pacific region. SDA aims to establish an optical mesh network within the next six months, involving 154 satellites, including data relay and missile tracking systems. A strategic pause has been initiated to address issues with the Transport Layer satellites, with follow-on launches expected in May or June 2024.

The U.S. Navy has sunk 60 Iranian warships as part of Operation Epic Fury, significantly degrading Iran's naval capabilities. This operation has led to the destruction of key Iranian naval assets, including the IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka. U.S. forces have also targeted missile sites along the Iranian coastline, further diminishing Iran's ability to threaten navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Asterodyn continues to deliver AST-78 interceptor drones for military use in France, confirming their operational deployment. The drones are designed for high-speed engagement of aerial threats, capable of reaching speeds of 400 km/h and an altitude of 6,000 meters within three minutes. They can be launched from both ground and airborne platforms, enhancing their operational flexibility.