Analysis & Reports

Anduril's drone wingman began armed flight testing in Aurora, Colorado, this month as part of the U.S. Air Force's collaborative combat aircraft program. The Air Force is currently conducting evaluations with inert munitions, with plans for live firing tests in 2026. This development involves multiple companies, including General Atomics and Northrop Grumman, aiming to enhance military capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman reached an agreement to increase B-21 bomber production by 25% in Aurora, Colorado. This decision follows a $4.5 billion allocation aimed at enhancing the production capacity of the next-generation bombers. The Air Force plans to deliver the first B-21 bomber by 2027, with discussions on increasing the total number of aircraft from 100 to potentially 200 to address emerging threats.

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman are accelerating the production of the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Northrop Grumman's facility in Palmdale, California, with the first operational aircraft expected at Ellsworth Air Force Base in 2027. This initiative aims to enhance the U.S. long-range strike capabilities against modern air defenses, supported by significant investments in manufacturing infrastructure and digital engineering tools.

The U.S. Air Force announced an agreement with Northrop Grumman to increase production of the B-21 Raider bomber, targeting delivery by 2027. This initiative is supported by $4.5 billion in funding and aims to enhance operational capabilities for combatant commanders. The B-21 is expected to be operational at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota by 2027, following its flight testing that began in November 2023.

Lockheed Martin successfully flight-tested a new artificial intelligence feature on the F-35 Lightning fighter at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. This AI model enhances pilots' situational awareness by identifying unknown contacts in real-time. The system, known as Project Overwatch, allows for rapid updates and retraining of the AI model during mission planning cycles, marking a significant advancement in military aviation technology.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) awarded a $30 million contract to AST SpaceMobile USA for a demonstration of commercial satellite communication with US military radios. This initiative utilizes the BlueBird constellation of satellites, with six currently in orbit and a seventh set for launch. The project is part of the HALO program, aimed at validating commercial solutions for tactical communication capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Defense plans to allocate $152 billion in fiscal year 2026 for various defense initiatives, including $25 billion for munitions procurement and $24.4 billion for missile defense. Key investments will enhance the defense industrial base, focusing on solid rocket motors and hypersonic weapons. Additionally, $29 billion is designated for Navy shipbuilding to restore the maritime industrial base.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is developing long-range standoff weapons for the MQ-9B SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian in San Diego as of February 23, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance the aircraft's capabilities to hold targets at risk over vast distances, particularly in the Western Pacific. GA-ASI plans to integrate and test these new weapons, responding to increasing demand from military forces.

Pyka announced the development of the DropShip autonomous cargo drone on February 23, 2026, designed for logistics transport and casualty evacuation in contested environments. The drone aims to minimize risks to pilots and high-value aircraft, addressing challenges in modern military logistics. It is engineered for operations in high-threat areas and is approaching its first flight milestone.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which executed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise underscores the Air Force's focus on enhancing combat capabilities through manned-unmanned teaming.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful manned-unmanned flight exercise at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2023, involving an F-22 Raptor and an MQ-20 Avenger drone. The F-22 issued real-time commands to the MQ-20, which performed various mission tasks, demonstrating advanced integration of autonomous systems into tactical operations. This exercise is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters through unmanned systems.

The U.S. Army held its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within the next 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. He emphasized the urgency of scaling drone production to counter threats from adversarial nations.

The U.S. Army concluded its inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, from February 17-19, 2023, awarding soldiers for excellence in drone operations. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll announced plans to purchase one million drones within 18 to 24 months and launch a drone marketplace for soldiers to sell innovations. The Army emphasizes the need to scale drone production rapidly to counter threats from adversarial nations.

Japan is enhancing its air defense strategy by modifying security documents to address drone threats and is developing high-power laser and microwave weapons for interception. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are focusing on new technologies to improve their capabilities against drone attacks, with successful tests of laser systems already conducted. Funding for these developments is included in the upcoming defense budget, indicating a significant shift in Japan's military approach.

The US Army is preparing to field small, one-way attack drones to every squad by October 1, 2023, and is evaluating training and logistics for their integration. A recent drone warfighter competition explored necessary training and tactics changes. The Army is addressing concerns about property accountability for these drones, aiming to have every squad equipped with FPV-style weapons by the end of fiscal 2026.

Rolls Royce confirmed the delivery of upgraded F130 engines for the B-52 Stratofortress, expected in 2027. The engines are part of a multi-billion dollar Commercial Engine Replacement Program and will support the aircraft's modernization as it transitions to the B-52J designation. Testing has been conducted at the Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Complex in Tennessee, with further testing planned at NASA Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The United States and the Philippines are expanding their military alliance, committing to over 500 military exercises through 2026 and investing $144 million in infrastructure. This expansion includes the deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and the establishment of a trilateral security dialogue with Japan. The alliance aims to enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region amid increasing security challenges.

Marcus ChenMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

Airbus Helicopters unveiled next generation rotorcraft concepts in Marignane, France, on 23 February 2026, aimed at meeting NATO's requirements. The proposal includes a high-performance conventional helicopter and a high-speed compound concept, emphasizing modularity and operational efficiency. This initiative is part of a collaboration with RTX businesses and MBDA to enhance military capabilities and affordability.

Russia is significantly enhancing its drone warfare capabilities in the Arctic, producing over 1.5 million drones annually. NATO is inadequately prepared for these operations, facing institutional and technical challenges. Concurrently, the EU is financing defense expenditures through collective debt, with Germany planning a substantial investment in its defense budget. Five European nations have initiated a program to develop cost-effective air defense systems, indicating a shift in European defense policy towards greater autonomy.

Dr. Klaus WeberMon Feb 23 2026Loading...

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. conducted a demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming with the U.S. Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base on February 23, 2026. The MQ-20 Avenger operated autonomously alongside the F-22 Raptor, showcasing advanced integration and tactical coordination. The mission involved live engagement and highlighted the capabilities of autonomous systems to execute commands from manned platforms.