Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy announced plans to solicit proposals for artificial intelligence tools to assist in designing the interior of the next-generation SSN(X) attack submarine. Companies are required to register their interest by November 6, 2023, with a formal call for proposals expected soon. This initiative aims to leverage AI to optimize the submarine's system arrangement while maintaining hydrostatic balance.

BAE Systems received a $66.5 million contract from the U.S. Navy to dry-dock and overhaul the USS St. Louis in Mayport, Florida, with completion expected by December 2027. This contract may increase to $80.7 million and involves maintenance and modernization of the vessel, which is currently engaged in U.S. Northern Command's maritime operations.

The U.S. Navy ordered a $56 million retrofit for a single MQ-4C Triton drone from Northrop Grumman on October 28, 2023, with work scheduled to continue until May 2030. The upgrade will enhance the drone's capabilities, including new sensors for intelligence gathering. Northrop Grumman will conduct most of the work in Palmdale, California, and the retrofit is part of ongoing efforts to modernize the Navy's surveillance capabilities.

General Dynamics introduced the Vion communications system for U.S. ground troops, enhancing secure connections with command centers and coalition forces. The system employs AI and open architecture to facilitate communication and prevent incidents like the recent friendly fire involving U.S. jets. This announcement follows a demonstration aimed at improving coalition information environments.

The U.S. Navy reported 27 A-class incidents in Fiscal Year 2026, marking the highest rate in a decade. This includes 16 aviation and 11 surface incidents, with significant casualties and equipment losses. Notable incidents involved F/A-18F Super Hornets and MH-60R Seahawks, contributing to a broader trend of increasing military accidents across all branches. The report highlights systemic issues such as aging equipment and inadequate training.

Swarmbotics AI and TERN announced their collaboration in Phoenix to develop GPS-free navigation for ground robots. This new system, known as the Independently Derived Positioning System (IDPS), utilizes vehicle sensors to provide positioning without satellite signals. The Army has shown interest in this technology as it seeks alternatives to GPS for military applications. The integration of the TERN system into Swarmbotics' FireAnt robots was completed in less than a week.

The US and Japan finalized an agreement to assemble the AMRAAM missile in Japan and increase production of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor. This initiative is part of 'Operation Supercharge' aimed at enhancing defense technology cooperation. The agreements were announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi during a press conference in the Philippines, highlighting the importance of these weapons for both nations' defense capabilities.

U.S. Army researchers tested adaptive camouflage technology in Pituffik, Greenland, earlier this year. The technology aims to change its appearance based on terrain and environmental conditions to enhance concealment. This testing is part of a broader initiative involving international cooperation and will soon be evaluated on Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles by the Alaska National Guard.

Leonardo DRS raised its full-year 2026 forecast after reporting third-quarter revenue of $1.066 billion, driven by demand for tactical radars and naval systems. The company booked $1.64 billion in new orders, achieving a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5x, and its funded backlog reached a record $5.64 billion. The results reflect a successful strategy of investing ahead of demand in military technology.

The US Army plans to replace some of its 7,300 Bradley Fighting Vehicles with the new XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, featuring advanced technology such as a hybrid electric powerplant and an unmanned turret. Currently, two prototypes are undergoing trials at Fort Irwin, California, with a decision on the final model expected by mid-2027. The Bradley has a notable combat record, having destroyed more Iraqi tanks than the M1 Abrams during the Gulf War.

Firehawk raised over $150 million on October 28, 2023, to enhance production capabilities for rocket motors and propellant in Lawton, Oklahoma, and Crawford, Mississippi. The company aims to produce over 100,000 artillery motors by 2027 and has been selected by the U.S. Army to manufacture Hydra-70 rockets. The funding will support the build-out of its facilities and increase hiring for production efforts.

Israel's Defense Ministry is enhancing its munitions independence by engaging with Covenant, a startup developing the Anthem cruise missile. On October 29, 2023, retired Maj. Gen. Amir Baram visited Covenant to discuss strengthening Israel's defense-tech ecosystem. The ministry aims to foster competition and innovation in defense production, with a focus on developing advanced systems for the Israel Defense Forces.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force deployed the Type-25 anti-ship missile for the first time during a large-scale joint exercise with the U.S. in late October 2026. This deployment marks a significant enhancement of Japan's long-range strike capabilities and integration into joint operations. The Type-25 missile is estimated to have a range of about 1000 kilometers, contributing to increased uncertainty for Chinese naval operations in the region.

Li MinghuiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is seeking contractors for the repair and sustainment of the ASARS-2 radar system used by the U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane, despite plans to retire the aircraft by the end of fiscal 2027. The request for information was posted on October 22, 2023, and amended shortly after, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain this critical military equipment.

Lockheed Martin will upgrade the operating systems for F-35 reprogramming laboratories under a $43.7 million contract announced by the U.S. Navy on Oct. 28, 2023. Eighty percent of the work will take place in Eglin, Florida, and the remaining 20% in Fort Worth, Texas, with completion expected by April 2030. The contract supports mission data production for U.S. military jets and involves contributions from international partners.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $23.1 million contract to Integer Technologies for research on zero trust cybersecurity to protect warship power systems. The work will occur in Columbia, South Carolina, through October 2030, focusing on enhancing the resilience of shipboard power systems against cyber threats.

Kongsberg Group reported a record order backlog of NOK 174.2 billion in the third quarter of 2026, driven by increased demand for military equipment including Joint Strike Missiles and NASAMS systems. The company secured NOK 23.3 billion in new orders, more than double from the previous year, and aims to expand production capacity in response to growing defense needs. Kongsberg's revenue rose 50% to NOK 11.3 billion, reflecting strong performance in the defense sector.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force integrated the Type-25 anti-ship guided missile system into joint military exercises with the U.S. in October 2026. This marked the first participation of the Type-25, emphasizing Japan's commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities. The exercises aimed to validate the integration of long-range firepower into operational scenarios, while discussions also focused on strengthening Japan-U.S. military cooperation and addressing cyber threats.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

The US, UK, and Australia concluded the Maritime Big Play naval exercise off San Diego, showcasing over 40 technologies related to uncrewed and autonomous systems. The Royal Navy led the anti-submarine warfare segment, utilizing various unmanned vessels and drones. This exercise is part of the AUKUS agreement, aimed at enhancing maritime capabilities and addressing security concerns in Europe. The UK announced plans to develop advanced undersea sensor payloads for unmanned systems, expected to be operational by 2027.

The U.S. Navy has developed a Man Overboard Detection System to enhance safety aboard ships. This system utilizes thermal cameras for 360-degree coverage and is designed to alert the crew when a sailor falls overboard. Recent incidents highlighted the need for such technology, which aims to improve response times during emergencies. Testing has been conducted successfully, with plans for further integration and enhancements, including drone capabilities for rescue operations.