Analysis & Reports

Swarm Aero opened its Advanced Manufacturing Center in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on February 17, 2026, to produce large uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs). The facility will have the capacity to manufacture thousands of UAVs and is expected to create hundreds of aerospace jobs. This center will serve as Swarm Aero's primary hub for large UAV systems and swarm command-and-control software integration, reflecting a significant advancement in military drone technology.

BAE Systems successfully conducted trials of the ATLAS uncrewed ground vehicle in Australia, demonstrating its combat capabilities and autonomy levels. The vehicle is designed to support main battle tanks and reconnaissance operations, featuring modular architecture for various mission roles. The trials included testing the VANTAGE turret, enhancing automated targeting and engagement processes.

Japan purchased 20 Wave Glider SV6 unmanned surface vehicles from Liquid Robotics under a $25 million Foreign Military Sales program. The U.S. Air Force Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base authorized the acquisition to support operational testing activities. The first unit is scheduled for delivery within 360 days, with final delivery within 720 days. This procurement ensures compatibility with Japan's existing unmanned systems.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $33.8 million contract for ground and flight test support of the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) integrated with the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) system. This contract, announced on February 18, 2026, aims to validate the sensor's performance and operational functionality, with completion expected by March 31, 2027. The LTAMDS program is intended to enhance air and missile defense capabilities by replacing the legacy Patriot radar.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $13 million contract to upgrade infrared countermeasure systems on C-17 Globemaster III aircraft operated by Canada and Australia. The upgrades will convert existing Block 10 systems to the newer Block 30 configuration, enhancing the aircraft's survivability against infrared-guided threats. Work will be performed in San Antonio, Texas, with completion expected by July 2030.

Presto Tech Horizons invested GBP 30 million in UK-based SatVu on February 19, 2026, to develop high-resolution thermal Earth observation technology. This investment, supported by the NATO Innovation Fund, aims to enhance defense and security capabilities across NATO member states. SatVu plans to launch multiple satellites to improve monitoring of activity and infrastructure status.

Rheinmetall successfully demonstrated the FV-014 loitering munition system at the National Test Centre for Unmanned Aerial Systems in Cochstedt, Germany, on 18 February 2026. The system is designed for dynamic combat deployment, capable of engaging high-value targets at ranges of up to 100 kilometers. It features advanced sensor technology and can operate effectively in GNSS-denied scenarios.

The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has ordered several thousand SHARD new-generation Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarded Sabot (APFSDS) rounds. These rounds are designed for high-intensity combat and are compatible with NATO 120 mm smoothbore platforms, including the Leclerc, Leopard 2, and Abrams tanks. Their innovative design enhances accuracy and penetration capabilities, validated through trials on the Leclerc and Leopard 2 tanks, thereby strengthening the operational effectiveness of French armored forces.

Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract to deliver C-130J training devices and upgrades to the Royal Australian Air Force, with deliveries starting in 2029. This includes two Weapon Systems Trainers and an Enhanced Integrated Cockpit Systems Trainer. The RAAF currently operates 12 C-130J-30 aircraft and has recently acquired 20 additional units to enhance its tactical airlift capabilities.

Bittium and KNL have initiated a collaboration to enhance hybrid communications capabilities for defense. This partnership integrates Bittium's VHF/UHF solutions with KNL's HF technology, enabling improved command and control across multi-domain operations. The combined solution supports seamless connections between tactical networks and enhances situational awareness for military operations.

AVIC showcased the Yunying-25V drone during the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, indicating its readiness for production. This tail-sitter VTOL drone is designed for tactical reconnaissance and can operate from minimal landing spaces, making it suitable for deployment in the South China Sea and other areas. The demonstration suggests that AVIC is preparing to meet military demand for such UAVs.

Li MinghuiThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Rheinmetall AG is exhibiting new military products at the Enforce Tac trade fair in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 February 2026. The highlights include the Fuchs JAGM, an armored missile tank destroyer, and a new military body armor system. Rheinmetall will also showcase the Caracal air assault vehicle and various advanced weapon systems, emphasizing their commitment to supporting armed forces with innovative technology.

Hanwha Defense secured its first sale of the Tigon 6x6 armored vehicle at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, where 60 military contracts worth 33 billion Saudi Riyals were signed. The company emphasized its local manufacturing strategy to enhance its presence in the Middle East, while also revealing that the actual range of the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system is significantly greater than previously stated.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

Rotron Aerospace Limited has entered into a strategic agreement to be acquired by Ondas Inc., enhancing its ability to deliver long-range autonomous defense systems. This acquisition is expected to strengthen Rotron's position in the UK and NATO defense markets, allowing for scalable, mission-critical unmanned capabilities. The deal will integrate Rotron's advanced technologies into a broader system designed for modern military operations.

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has revealed the Type 095 nuclear attack submarine at the Bohai Shipyard in China, testing the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's anti-submarine capabilities. This new class of submarine, larger and potentially quieter than its predecessor, is expected to enhance China's naval operational capabilities in the Pacific. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is currently assessing its anti-submarine strategies in response to this emerging threat.

Tanaka TakashiThu Feb 19 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force announced that Air Force One will be painted in a new red, white, and blue color scheme as directed by President Trump. This change will apply to three Boeing 747-800 aircraft, which are set to replace the aging 747-200 fleet. The decision to alter the aircraft's appearance follows a previous reversal by President Biden in March 2023 regarding the color scheme.

The U.S. Air Force announced that Air Force One will be painted in a new red, white, and blue color scheme as directed by President Trump. This change will apply to three Boeing 747-800 aircraft, which are set to replace the aging 747-200 fleet. The decision to modify the aircraft's appearance follows a previous reversal by President Biden regarding the color scheme.

Japan is expanding its submarine fleet with the Taigei-class diesel-electric submarines, which utilize lithium-ion batteries to enhance stealth and operational capabilities. The lead submarine entered service in 2022, with additional units planned through 2025. This expansion occurs amid rising naval activity in the East China Sea and Western Pacific, as Japan aims to maintain a credible undersea presence without nuclear propulsion.

Israel has upgraded its F-35I Adir stealth fighter with new fuel tanks and additional weapon capabilities, enhancing its range for strikes against Iranian targets. This modification allows the aircraft to operate independently with reduced reliance on aerial refueling, addressing the challenge of reaching targets over 1,000 miles away. The Israeli Air Force's enhancements reflect its strategic focus on maintaining independent military capabilities amid rising tensions with Iran.

The U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress conducted a combat air patrol over the U.S. Central Command area on November 23, 2024, demonstrating its capability to launch long-range stand-off missiles. The B-52 is undergoing modernization to enhance its operational relevance into the 2050s, focusing on its role as a stand-off strike platform. This modernization includes new engines and radar systems, ensuring the aircraft remains a key component of U.S. military strategy.