Analysis & Reports

Germany is contemplating joining the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) after discussions between Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in January 2026. This potential shift comes as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) faces delays and disputes, with GCAP aiming for a 2035 service date compared to FCAS's 2040 projection. Italy is set to invest €9 billion in GCAP, highlighting its importance for European defense collaboration.

The U.S. Air Force is developing a three-tiered air dominance strategy involving the upgraded F-22, modernized F-35, and new F-47 aircraft. This strategy aims to maintain air superiority against advanced adversaries like China. The F-22 will be upgraded to extend its operational relevance, while the F-35 is undergoing significant modernization. The F-47, part of the Next Generation Air Dominance program, is designed to enhance combat effectiveness through coordination with drones. Budget constraints may impact the feasibility of sustaining all three aircraft simultaneously.

The U.S. Army is adapting its drone combat doctrine and training based on lessons learned from global conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill emphasized the transformative impact of drones on military operations during the Army's Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama. The Army is developing a new database system, Project Victor, to enhance access to drone operation information for soldiers.

The U.S. Army is adapting its drone combat doctrine and training based on insights from global conflicts, particularly Ukraine. Maj. Gen. Clair A. Gill emphasized the transformative impact of drones on military operations during the Army's Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama. He noted that while drones enhance capabilities, the need for skilled human pilots remains critical.

The People's Liberation Army Navy's Fujian aircraft carrier recently demonstrated its capabilities, highlighting its advanced electromagnetic catapult system. This system represents a significant technological leap, as it is the first of its kind on a conventional power vessel. The carrier employs a medium-voltage direct current integrated power system and innovative supercapacitor technology to efficiently manage energy demands.

The 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard won the Best Innovation award at the U.S. Army's inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. They developed Project RED, a drone equipped with a claw to retrieve downed drones, utilizing artificial intelligence to distinguish between friendly and enemy aircraft. The team was recognized for their innovative design and received additional support from the Army Research Laboratory for further improvements.

The Army National Guard’s 28th Infantry Division won the Best Innovation award at the U.S. Army’s inaugural Best Drone Warfighter Competition in Huntsville, Alabama, this week. They developed Project RED, a drone designed to retrieve downed unmanned aircraft using a robotic claw. The team received recognition and support from Army leadership, highlighting their innovative capabilities.

Pratt & Whitney unveiled an update on the XA103 adaptive-cycle engine, revealing a notional design of the F-47 fighter, part of the U.S. Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance program, on February 17, 2026. The design emphasizes extreme stealth and maneuverability, with Boeing selected to develop the aircraft in March 2025. The first flight is scheduled for 2028, aiming to maintain U.S. air superiority against advanced adversaries.

In February 2026, Canada confirmed it is making payments for 14 additional F-35 aircraft, raising its total commitment to 30 jets. This decision comes amid a strategic review of its defense policy, which may lead to a mixed fleet of F-35s and Saab Gripen fighters to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on U.S. defense supplies. The government aims to address geopolitical tensions while maintaining military readiness.

The MiG-35 Fulcrum-F program is struggling, with fewer than 10 aircraft in active service as of February 20, 2026. The Russian Air Force has not prioritized the aircraft, and production is hindered by sanctions and supply chain issues. The MiG-35's international sales have been poor, and its lack of stealth capabilities limits its effectiveness in combat.

The Xi'an Aerospace Corporation's development of the H-20 stealth bomber has stalled since its announcement in 2016, with operational capabilities now projected for the 2030s. General Stephen Davis noted the significant engineering gap between Chinese and U.S. bomber designs, labeling the PLAAF as a regional force. Recent leaks regarding the program are interpreted as attempts to distract from internal military leadership changes in China.

Russia's United Aircraft Corporation delivered upgraded Su-57 Felon stealth fighters to the Aerospace Forces, enhancing their capabilities. Approximately 30 to 42 units are active, with some stationed at Dzyomgi air base to protect against drone attacks. The Su-57 can control the S-70 Okhotnik-B drone and is intended to be a key component of Russia's air power, despite production challenges and limited deployment.

Embraer and Northrop Grumman are collaborating to develop an autonomous boom system for the KC-390 tanker in Melbourne, Florida, with an investment of over $500 million. This system aims to enhance the KC-390's refueling capabilities for a wider range of aircraft, including U.S. Air Force models. The KC-390 is already in use by several countries and is compliant with U.S. defense regulations, indicating strong market potential.

The U.S. Air Force deployed 16 aging E-3 Sentry aircraft to the Middle East this week, highlighting the urgent need for a replacement. The E-7 Wedgetail is planned to replace the E-3, with the first units expected by 2027, but its future remains uncertain after the Pentagon attempted to cancel the program. Retired military leaders have urged Congress to support the E-7, emphasizing the E-3's critical role in air operations.

Chinese scientists developed PADJ-X software to replicate and optimize the B-21 Raider bomber's performance, claiming to identify design flaws. However, defense analysts are skeptical about the software's reliability due to the secrecy surrounding the B-21's design. The software integrates various performance parameters, reflecting China's advancements in digital engineering.

The U.S. Navy is fast-tracking the development of the F/A-XX fighter to counter the growing threat from China's J-20 and J-35 aircraft. Admiral Daryl Caudle emphasized the urgency of replacing the aging F/A-18 Super Hornet, as China is expected to expand its fleet of J-20s to 1,000 within a decade. The F/A-XX is projected to have a combat range of 2,000 miles, enhancing the Navy's strike capabilities from greater distances in the Pacific.

The U.S. Air Force is preparing to approve the production of the T-7 Red Hawk training jet within days, following years of delays. The first operational capability is targeted for November 2027, with two aircraft already delivered to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas. Boeing is committed to the program, which aims to replace the aging T-38 Talon.

Teledyne Continental Motors developed the Super M60 main battle tank prototype in 1978 to enhance the M60 series against modern anti-tank threats. The prototype featured a 1,200 hp engine and advanced armor but failed to attract export customers, resulting in only one unit being built. The program was ultimately sidelined by the end of the Cold War.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace signed a NOK 400 million contract to upgrade the combat system on the Norwegian Navy's Skjold class vessels on February 20, 2026. This upgrade aims to enhance the vessels' precision, detection capability, and endurance, ensuring their operational capability for the future. The project is a continuation of previous upgrades initiated in 2022, involving six Skjold class vessels, known for their speed.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon has undergone significant upgrades, including the integration of the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, enhancing its capabilities for air defense and interception. These upgrades extend its service life to 12,000 hours and improve its multi-role versatility. The aircraft remains operationally viable and is utilized by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations for various missions, despite its lack of stealth compared to newer models like the F-35.