Analysis & Reports

Hanwha Aerospace unveiled a new K9 howitzer operating concept that integrates fire-guidance drones during the K9 User Club event in Tartu, Estonia, from September 2 to 4, 2023. The event gathered over 200 military and industry representatives from seven nations, focusing on enhancing artillery capabilities. The new concept aims to improve target acquisition and reduce the need for forward observers.

On September 3, 2023, Poland's Deputy Defense Minister announced that Poland is seeking to expand its participation in NATO's nuclear sharing framework. The discussions focus on Poland's involvement in tasks related to nuclear weapon transport, marking the first time Poland has advocated for this role. However, he emphasized that there are no plans to deploy nuclear warheads outside of existing NATO sites.

GE Aerospace is upgrading its manufacturing capabilities in Lynn to enhance production of military engines, including the T700 and T408. The company is also developing a hypersonic test bed for the HyCAT program, with the first flight planned for 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to meet increasing military demands and improve production efficiency.

AEVEX Corp. and Divergent Technologies announced a partnership to develop a new autonomous aircraft platform in California. The collaboration aims to integrate AEVEX's unmanned systems expertise with Divergent's 3D-printing technology to enhance production efficiency. Early efforts will focus on adaptable airframe designs and faster integration processes.

TYTAN Technologies demonstrated a new rocket-boosted interceptor drone to the German Federal Cabinet at Schloss Neuhardenberg on August 25-26, 2023. The system is designed for enhanced range and speed against aerial threats, responding to evolving drone threats observed in Ukraine. TYTAN's existing interceptors, including the EOS and METIS, are already deployed in Ukraine and other regions.

AZAK signed an Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Army's Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate in 2025 to field a wheel-centric robot system. The robot demonstrated the capability to tow a Palletized Load System truck and additional ammunition, showcasing its potential for military logistics. The agreement aims to expedite the transition of new technologies into operational use.

LeVanta Tech demonstrated its HALIA unmanned system at ANTX Coastal Trident in Port Hueneme, California, showcasing its capabilities to operate in air and water. The drone can fly, land on the ocean, and remain in a low-power mode for extended periods. It features a unique design with ducted fans and a modular payload bay for various military applications, including ISR missions. The company has secured funding and contracts from the Air Force for further development.

Seasats announced that its Quickfish interceptor-class unmanned surface vessel has entered production and is now available at scale. The Quickfish demonstrated its capabilities during the Silent Swarm 2026 exercise at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center in Michigan, where it operated alongside four other autonomous vessels. The Quickfish can reach speeds over 40 knots and is designed for long-duration missions with a modular payload bay for various unmanned aircraft.

The U.S. Army awarded AV a $464.8 million contract to produce 26 high-energy laser weapons under the Enduring High Energy Laser program. These 30 kilowatt LOCUST X3 systems are intended to counter low-cost weaponized drones and will be delivered over the next five years. This marks a significant advancement in the Army's directed energy capabilities, following successful demonstrations of the technology.

Kalashnikov Concern unveiled the AK-12+ assault rifle at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 1-4, 2023, announcing its preparation for serial production. The new weapon, designed for special forces, features enhancements for shooting precision and will include electro-optical sights. A cooperation agreement was signed with the Voin Center to develop engineering skills among youth.

American Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to produce machined components for the MCT-30 weapon system.

Greece and Israel signed a contract on August 31, 2023, to develop a multi-layer air defense system named 'Achilles Shield'. This project, costing around 3 billion euros, aims to integrate Greece's existing Patriot systems with Israeli air defense technologies. The system is designed to defend against aircraft, drones, rockets, and ballistic missiles, and is expected to be completed within 35 months.

Japan is advancing the construction of new Aegis-equipped ships, enhancing its military capabilities under the guise of missile defense. The first ship is expected to launch in the 2026 fiscal year and enter service in 2027. This development reflects Japan's ambition to expand its military presence and capabilities, moving beyond the constraints of its pacifist constitution.

Iran launched missile and drone strikes against a U.S. military base in Kuwait on September 3. The Kuwaiti military confirmed that they were responding to the attacks, which resulted in thick smoke at the site.

Sweden signed a contract on August 31, 2023, in Stockholm to purchase four frigates from the French Navy, valued at 4.3 billion euros. This deal aims to enhance Sweden's military capabilities, particularly in air defense, and reflects a shift in its defense policy following the Ukraine conflict. The first frigate is expected to be delivered by 2030, marking a significant step in Sweden's military modernization efforts.

U.S. Marines with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines fired Mossberg 590A1 shotguns during training exercises at the Baghdad Embassy Compound in Iraq on May 8, 2020, and in Kuwait on June 26, 2020. The Mossberg 590A1 is noted for its reliability and has been adopted by various military branches for combat and operational use.

On September 1, U.S. Central Command conducted airstrikes against Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz, destroying radar systems and missile capabilities. President Trump stated that the strikes would be brief, emphasizing U.S. control over the region. Iran's Revolutionary Guard responded by claiming to have downed a U.S. drone, while Jordan intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is experiencing significant plumbing issues due to its vacuum-based sewage system, which has 30 miles of specialized piping. Maintenance crews discovered foreign objects causing clogs, leading to operational challenges and declining crew morale. The U.S. Government Accountability Office previously warned about the system's design flaws, indicating it may not be suitable for an aircraft carrier of its size.

The U.S. Army awarded $192 million to Palantir Technologies and Anduril Industries for the production of the Tactical Intelligence Targeting Access Node (TITAN) program. Palantir will lead the production, while Anduril will manufacture vehicle-mounted systems. The program aims to enhance data-gathering capabilities for soldiers and includes the delivery of advanced and basic variants over the next 18 months.

GE Aerospace was awarded a contract worth up to $2.9 billion to supply parts for F414 engines used in the Navy's F/A-18 Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. The contract, which runs until August 2031, is part of GE's efforts to increase production of its F404 engine for the T-7 Red Hawk. Additionally, GE was selected to provide a hypersonic test vehicle for the Defense Innovation Unit's HyCAT program, marking a significant milestone in high-speed systems development.