Analysis & Reports

Finance Minister John Healey announced that the UK government will address a £4.7 billion gap in its Defense Investment Plan through reprioritization of public spending. This strategy aims to fulfill NATO's commitment of 3.5% of GDP on defense by 2035, with interim goals of 3% by 2030. Detailed plans for achieving these targets are expected in a spending review next year.

Former Navy pilot Adam Daymude stated that the P-51 Mustang would defeat the F-117 Nighthawk in aerial combat due to the latter's lack of air-to-air capabilities. The F-117, designed for ground-attack missions, first flew on June 18, 1981, and lacks the maneuverability and weaponry necessary for dogfighting. In contrast, the P-51 Mustang, a WWII fighter, is equipped with six machine guns and was built for engaging enemy aircraft.

Finland is purchasing the RGW110 heavy disposable anti-tank weapon from Germany's Dynamit Nobel Defence to replace the APILAS launcher. The deal, worth about €84.5 million, was authorized by Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen on October 28, 2023, with deliveries set to begin in 2027. The RGW110 is designed for close-range operations against tanks and features a tandem warhead for effective penetration.

Iran continues to operate its fleet of 79 F-14 Tomcats, the only remaining operational units of this aircraft globally. Despite facing U.S. sanctions and military actions, the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) has maintained its F-14s since their acquisition before the Islamic Revolution. The aircraft played a significant role during the Iran-Iraq War, where they reportedly shot down 160 Iraqi planes.

The Pentagon awarded a $21 million contract to California-based Biosphere to establish a 20,000-liter biomanufacturing facility in Washington, set to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2027. This facility will produce essential chemicals for military supplies, including bio-cement and polymer-bonded explosives, aiming to enhance domestic production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.

Booz Allen engaged in discussions about interoperability on the modern battlefield at AUSA 2026. The conversation highlighted the importance of effective collaboration among military forces in contemporary warfare.

China claims that the J-20S stealth fighter can conduct precision strikes on maritime targets, posing a potential threat to US Navy aircraft carriers in the South China Sea. The People's Liberation Army Air Force has stated that the J-20S has enhanced targeting systems and capabilities. However, skepticism remains regarding the actual effectiveness of the J-20S and its weapon systems, as they may need to be carried externally, compromising stealth.

On October 28, 2026, Russian Armed Forces launched an air campaign against Ukraine, deploying 88 drones and 1 ballistic missile to test the limits of Ukrainian air defense. Among the drones, 38 were jet-powered, indicating a shift in tactics aimed at overwhelming Ukrainian defenses. This operation highlights the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in intercepting Russian missile threats while managing its own air defense resources.

Dmitri VolkovWed Oct 28 2026Loading...

Ukraine's parliament approved a budget allocating 4.885 trillion hryvnias for defense in 2027, representing 43.8% of its projected GDP. This budget includes significant funding for weapons and military equipment, with 35.7% sourced from European partners. The defense allocation is nearly 12% higher than the previous year, reflecting ongoing military support amid the conflict. The final budget approval is scheduled for late November.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb held a 90-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine conflict. The call, which was criticized by Denmark and met with caution from Sweden, highlighted differing views among Nordic nations on engaging with Russia. Støre reaffirmed support for Ukraine and the necessity of diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

The B-21 Raider, a new stealth bomber, was measured at Edwards Air Force Base, revealing a wingspan of 152 feet and a length of 61 feet. This aircraft is set to replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit, with plans for at least 100 units. The design prioritizes low observability and long-range capabilities, making it a key component of the U.S. Air Force's future strike force.

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen visited New Zealand on October 21, 2023, to discuss security issues and defense cooperation with officials from New Zealand, Australia, and Japan. He highlighted Finland's commitment to NATO and its military support for Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of national defense and international partnerships. Häkkänen also noted Finland's readiness to host NATO assets and its strategic role in northern Europe.

Finland's Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen visited New Zealand on October 21, 2023, to discuss security cooperation and NATO's role in northern Europe. He emphasized Finland's readiness to defend itself and its commitment to supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Häkkänen also highlighted the importance of defense cooperation with countries like the United States and the need for comprehensive security measures in Finland.

U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Japan's Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi agreed to establish a final assembly plant for the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile in Cebu, Philippines, on October 28, 2023. They also decided to enhance joint military exercises and share technical information on missile production, including the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor. Japan is set to strengthen its defense capabilities and increase its defense production base.

On June 29, 1987, a U.S. Air Force SR-71 Blackbird suffered an engine explosion over the Baltic Sea, dropping from 80,000 to 25,000 feet. Swedish Air Force scrambled two Viggen fighters to escort the damaged aircraft as Soviet fighters were ordered to intercept it. The SR-71 successfully landed at Nordholz Air Base in West Germany, avoiding destruction and ensuring the safety of its crew.

The Russian Navy's Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ship, was tracked by Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force as it sailed southwest through the Tsushima Strait into the East China Sea on October 27-28, 2023. Japan deployed the minesweeper Hirashima and a P-1 maritime patrol aircraft for monitoring. The Kareliya is known for collecting electronic signals and has previously operated near Japanese waters.

US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) purchased uncrewed aerial systems from Tekever after completing validation and acceptance testing. This acquisition enhances USSOCOM's capabilities with new military technology.

Poland has been selected to host a maintenance facility for Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) missiles, involving the U.S. government, Lockheed Martin, and European allies. This decision enhances Poland's role in European defense logistics and military cooperation.

On October 26, 2026, EDGE Group acquired a controlling stake in CMD, an Italian company specializing in drone engines, to enhance its production capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology. This strategic move aims to bolster the UAE's military self-sufficiency and could significantly impact regional defense dynamics, particularly in relation to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Oct 28 2026Loading...

Belgium has begun construction of a new maintenance center for its army's armored vehicles in Rocourt, with completion expected by July 2028. The joint venture, LS², will service the Belgian Land Component's vehicles and weapons, employing around 200 personnel. The center will be the largest private maintenance facility for military vehicles in Belgium, supporting the maintenance of new armored vehicles acquired under the CaMo program.