Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is replacing the LGM-30G Minuteman III with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM, which has seen its cost rise from $77.7 billion to $140.9 billion due to necessary infrastructure upgrades. Approximately 400 operational missiles are deployed across Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, with additional infrastructure in Nebraska and Colorado. The modernization aims to enhance the U.S. nuclear deterrent capabilities and is expected to keep the Sentinel in service until 2075.

Captain Luke Graves of the USAF's 8th Tactical Fighter Wing conducted a nighttime mission in 1969 to strike an anti-aircraft site near the Bird's Head, North Vietnam. During the operation, he maneuvered his F-4 Phantom fighter beneath a refueling tanker to avoid a collision in severe thunderstorms. The mission was completed successfully despite the adverse weather conditions and enemy fire.

The U.S. Navy awarded HII a $336 million contract for long-lead materials for the future USS William J. Clinton, signaling a critical step in its construction. The Nimitz-class carriers, including the USS Gerald R. Ford, are noted for their speed and advanced propulsion systems. Meanwhile, China continues to develop its carrier capabilities, highlighting the competitive landscape in naval power.

The Pentagon requested defense companies to propose faster weapons production and delivery schedules by August 26, 2023, in response to declining U.S. weapon inventories during the Iran war. Lockheed Martin announced significant investments to expand munitions production, while framework agreements were established to boost production of critical components for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors. The Pentagon aims to triple PAC-3 and quadruple THAAD production capacity as part of its fiscal 2028 budget request.

The U.S. Air Force announced it will achieve its goal of producing 1,500 pilots annually to address a shortfall of over 2,000 aviators. This goal, set to be reached by September 15, 2023, is part of a long-term strategy to resolve the pilot deficit, which may take 15 to 20 years. The Air Force has implemented a new training model and is exploring the consolidation of training onto the T-7 Red Hawk platform, while also considering the impact of autonomous platforms on pilot requirements.

On September 21, 2023, the 169th joint patrol and law enforcement operation on the Mekong River was launched, involving Chinese law enforcement vessels 53101, 53108, and 53109. The operation aims to combat cross-border crime and enhance cooperation among China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. The Chinese vessel 53108 will also serve as a liaison in Laos for joint training with local enforcement agencies.

Thales inaugurated the Connectivity Lab in Ballerup, Denmark, on September 18, 2023, to enhance critical communication technology for the Danish Armed Forces. The event was attended by key defense officials and Thales executives, emphasizing the lab's role in developing operational capabilities and integrating systems for effective battlefield connectivity. This initiative reflects a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Denmark's defense industrial base.

Turkish defense specialists inspected aircraft maintenance facilities at RAF Coningsby from September 15-17, 2026, as part of Türkiye's procurement of Eurofighter Typhoon jets from the UK. The visit aimed to plan maintenance and strengthen cooperation with the UK. Türkiye has ordered 20 Typhoons, with deliveries scheduled between 2030 and 2032, and BAE Systems will handle final assembly in Lancashire.

The 76th Group Army's bridge unit rapidly deployed over 100 vehicles to establish a floating bridge across the Yellow River. Drones were utilized to assess the battlefield environment, and despite challenges, the unit successfully completed the operation during the flood season, enhancing their emergency response capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is extending the service life of the B-1 and B-2 bombers while accelerating the development of the B-21 Raider. General Stephen L. Davis announced this decision during a conference, highlighting the need to maintain readiness. The B-21 is expected to be delivered to Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027, with plans to replace the older bombers with at least 100 new units over the coming decades.

The Royal Navy's Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are facing significant operational challenges, including mechanical failures and a shortage of personnel. HMS Queen Elizabeth missed Exercise Steadfast Defender in February 2024 due to faulty propeller shaft couplings. Additionally, the Royal Navy is struggling with recruitment, leading to a 4.1% decrease in personnel strength from 2022 to 2023, and only half of the desired F-35B Lightning II jets are currently operational.

USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) returned to the fleet after 18 months of maintenance at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, and completed sea trials in September 2025. The carrier, capable of carrying 5,000 sailors, was declared mission-ready following extensive upgrades to its combat systems and other critical equipment. It had previously served as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan for nine years, enhancing U.S. naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

On September 17, 2025, Russia's Ministry of Defense reported targeting energy and industrial infrastructure in Ukraine, resulting in 19 injuries and the destruction of 131 aerial targets. In retaliation, Ukraine launched drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and military airfields. This escalation reflects a shift in the conflict towards economic warfare, with both sides attacking critical infrastructure nightly.

Ukraine produced nearly 2 million drones in 2024, while Russia increased its production to 3,000 jet-powered UAVs monthly. Both nations are engaged in drone warfare, prompting NATO to reassess its military strategies and increase defense budgets. A new air defense coalition has formed among European allies to address the shortage of U.S.-made Patriot missiles.

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker light tank program in 2024 after building 80 units due to excessive weight and logistical challenges. The vehicle, intended to replace the M551 Sheridan, weighed 38 tons, which hindered its mobility and deployment capabilities. The M10 Booker is now on static display at the U.S. Army Armor and Cavalry Collection in Fort Benning, Georgia.

Ukrainian combat medics from the 1st Separate Medical Battalion shared their expertise in casualty evacuation using unmanned ground vehicles with Swedish medical personnel in Sweden last week. The exchange included demonstrations of the MAUL ground robot, which is designed for retrieving casualties in dangerous areas. General Michael Claesson of the Swedish Armed Forces met with the Ukrainian team to discuss enhancing Sweden's defense capabilities through this collaboration.

The U.S. Air Force will hold an industry day on October 20-21 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to discuss a new mission computer upgrade for its F-16 fighter fleet. The upgrade targets F-16 Block 40, 42, 50, and 52 variants, enhancing their combat systems. Attendance is capped at 80, with companies allowed to register for one-on-one meetings with government officials. Details on specific systems supported by the new computer remain undisclosed.

The U.S. Space Development Agency issued a request for proposals on September 18, 2023, for ground stations to support its missile-tracking satellites. Proposals are due by November 2, 2023, with the contract expected to cover various logistical aspects, including the construction of communications shelters and installation of antennas. The performance period for the contract is set from March 31, 2027, to September 30, 2031.

On September 18, 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force conducted tactical training in the Pacific Ocean east of Okinawa, involving 9 F-22s, 4 F-15s, and 1 KC-135. The exercise aimed to strengthen deterrence and operational capabilities between the two nations, focusing on air superiority and logistical support.

Tanaka TakashiSun Sep 20 2026Loading...

Russian forces controlled five settlements in multiple regions and attacked Ukrainian military targets, including ammunition depots and logistics facilities. Ukrainian forces retaliated by striking Russian drone command centers and logistics warehouses. Both sides reported significant aerial engagements, with Ukrainian air defense intercepting over 100 Russian aerial targets, including drones and missiles.