Analysis & Reports

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has increased funding for BlackSky Technologies to accelerate the development of new wide-area imagery satellites optimized for AI-driven target detection. This funding modification, amounting to over $150 million, aims to support the launch of the AROS satellites by 2028. The new satellites will enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities by providing real-time strategic insights.

The U.S. Navy is set to deploy an unmanned surface vessel alongside the Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group. Concurrently, U.S. Marines have officially retired the Harrier aircraft, marking the end of an era for this significant piece of military aviation.

Global Defence Technology examines various military technologies, including European armor, global fighters, and loitering munitions. It also explores synthetic training methods in its second part.

Brave1 companies conducted a three-day investment tour in the UK, where business leaders expressed concerns that UK regulations are hindering rearmament efforts. This highlights ongoing issues within the defense industry regarding regulatory impacts on military readiness.

Diehl Defence unveiled the IRIS-T SLS MK 4 air defense system in Berlin on June 9, 2023, enhancing its engagement range to 12 km and altitude to 6 km. The new system allows for eight times the missile readiness compared to previous models, optimizing it for rapid repositioning and close-in protection. It is designed to integrate with other air defense systems and can utilize additional munitions like the CICADA for counter-drone operations.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany is exploring options for next-generation fighter jets following the termination of the FCAS program. One option includes purchasing an additional 15 F-35 jets from the U.S., while other possibilities involve joining an international fighter program or initiating a domestic program with Airbus. The decision comes after challenges in collaboration with French industry over intellectual property and military requirements.

Switzerland signed a contract for 32 DONAR wheeled howitzers as part of its artillery modernization effort. This procurement aims to enhance the capabilities of the Swiss Armed Forces.

Three National Guardsmen detained Army veteran Anna King in Washington, D.C. on May 8 after recognizing her as a suspect from a previous assault. The incident, captured on video, shows King being restrained while she protested. King faces charges for allegedly assaulting the Guardsmen during her detention, and her attorney argues that the Guardsmen entered private property without a warrant.

Lysk developed and tested Lore, a software for automating command post logs, with the French Army during Exercise Orion 2026. The software aims to enhance decision-making efficiency by integrating various data sources and reducing manual errors. It is designed to be compatible with multiple command-and-control systems and is now considered TRL 7, indicating readiness for further deployment.

Scania France commenced production of the V3P/Vampire multipurpose carrier vehicle at its Angers facility, designed for the French Army's Very Short Range Air Defence units. The production began a few weeks ago, with a target of 100 vehicles by year-end. The Vampire will replace older models and support the new Mistral missile system, along with additional weaponry.

The British Army is restarting trials of the Ajax armored reconnaissance vehicle under controlled conditions as part of a two-phase improvement plan. The first phase involves limited trials, while the second phase aims to implement significant enhancements, including air filtration and crew heating. The Ajax program has faced numerous delays and issues, including serious injuries to crew members due to noise and vibration during previous trials.

Swarm Aero selected Honeywell Aerospace’s TPE331 turboprop engine for its Group 5 multi-mission unmanned aircraft system on June 9, 2023. This decision marks a significant step in the hardware integration of their drone program, which aims to utilize proven technology for military applications. The aircraft, which has not yet been publicly revealed, is expected to be unveiled in 2026, emphasizing the importance of the propulsion choice in the overall development.

Breaking Defense announced the hiring of Kyle Rempfer as assistant editor, effective June 15. This addition aims to bolster the newsroom's capacity in defense journalism, reflecting the organization's growth to 20 editorial staff members. Rempfer, a veteran of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts, previously worked at the Washington Post and Military Times, bringing valuable experience to the team.

On June 8, the Chinese Maritime Law Enforcement fleet conducted patrols in the southeastern waters of Taiwan and discovered two suspected Japanese fixed-wing aircraft.

The Pentagon announced the winners of the Lethality Prize Challenge, aimed at developing cost-effective munitions for drones. Five companies, including Northrop Grumman, were recognized for their innovative payloads. The initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance drone capabilities and reduce costs, with a target of acquiring 300,000 drones by 2028.

Picket Defense Systems was selected by the Defense Innovation Unit to advance its Inferno RTC autonomous weapon system in Phase II testing this month. The system aims to address aiming latency issues in counter-drone operations, featuring a rotating turret design that allows for rapid targeting of multiple threats. This selection confirms the system's technical claims and moves it closer to potential fielding after successful evaluations.

Airbus showcased its new uncrewed collaborative combat aircraft and UAS portfolio at the ILA Berlin on June 9, 2026. The highlights include the U145, an uncrewed version of the H145 helicopter, and the U760 Ravenstorm combat drone, designed for multi-domain missions. The U950 Eurodrone is also set to provide strategic ISTAR capabilities by 2029, while the Bird of Prey drone interceptor aims to counter aerial threats for armed forces.

Raytheon is investing $100 million to expand its Portsmouth facility in Rhode Island to enhance production and testing of the LTAMDS and Patriot GEM-T missile systems. This expansion, announced on June 8, 2023, aims to meet the growing demand for advanced air defense capabilities amid increasing global threats. The facility will support the U.S. Army and international partners, including Poland, as they enhance their air defense systems.

HENSOLDT and SE3 Labs signed a memorandum of understanding in Berlin on 09 June 2026 to collaborate on integrating AI capabilities into HENSOLDT's MDOcore platform. This partnership aims to enhance military decision-making through advanced AI technologies, providing a strategic advantage in multi-domain operations. The agreement includes specific programs and ongoing tenders, leveraging SE3 Labs' expertise in spatial and agentic AI.

Australia signed a A$72m ($50m) contract with Rheinmetall NIOA Munitions to establish a new forging capability for manufacturing large calibre ammunition in Maryborough, Queensland. This initiative aims to enhance the ammunition supply for the Australian Defence Force.