Analysis & Reports

Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University showcased new unmanned systems at the World Defense Show in Riyadh. These include a tracked unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), quadruped robots, an unmanned surface vessel (USV), and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), all designed for military applications. The UGV can carry significant payloads and is being developed for increased autonomy, while the USV is intended for intelligence and reconnaissance missions.

Chinese J-15 carrier fighters were observed carrying the new YJ-15 anti-ship missile, confirming its operational status. The YJ-15, with a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers, enhances the strike capabilities of the People's Liberation Army Navy. This missile is designed for high-speed, low-altitude sea-skimming, posing a significant threat to naval vessels.

The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is seeking to procure commercially developed satellites for reconnaissance in geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO). The GHOST-R program aims to enhance satellite tracking capabilities and reduce costs compared to existing programs. Vendors must deliver a high-resolution image of a GEO satellite within 24 months, with proposals due by March 3.

The U.S. Navy is enhancing air defense capabilities around its aircraft carriers to counter increasing threats from missiles, drones, and submarines, particularly from China. The Navy is considering deploying escort ships equipped with lasers to improve defense against mass attacks. Each carrier is equipped with 100 to 125 interceptor missiles, which may not suffice in saturation scenarios. The USS Gerald R. Ford has been deployed to the Central Command area to deter Iran, while China continues to develop advanced anti-ship capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force introduced the F-15EX Eagle II on April 7, 2023, at Eglin Air Force Base. This new fighter aircraft boasts a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs and features 23 weapons stations for various munitions. It is designed for homeland defense and standoff strikes, enhancing the capabilities of the Air Force alongside stealth fighters.

Taiwan's Parliament is currently blocking a proposed $40 billion defense budget aimed at enhancing military capabilities against China. The opposition parties refuse to review the budget, citing the absence of military salary increases. This delay raises concerns about Taiwan's defense readiness as China's military modernization progresses. U.S. lawmakers have expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Taiwan's defense needs.

Marcus ChenWed Feb 18 2026Loading...

Sweden's Blekinge-class submarines, utilizing GHOST technology, are set for delivery between 2026 and 2035, with significant delays and budget increases. These submarines enhance NATO's capabilities in the Baltic Sea, designed for stealth and special operations. The first of the two planned submarines is now scheduled for delivery in 2031.

The USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln are deploying to the Arabian Sea to enhance U.S. naval pressure on Iran. This dual-carrier strike group configuration is intended for coordinated operations targeting Iranian command-and-control infrastructure. The carriers will leverage advanced weaponry, including F-35C stealth fighters and Block IV Tomahawk missiles, to conduct precise strikes without a prolonged land campaign.

Saronic established a West Coast Supply Hub for unmanned surface vehicles in San Diego, opening in October 2023. The facility will house at least 15 Corsair robot boats and aims to increase its workforce to over 100 employees by year-end. It will provide training for Navy personnel on operating and maintaining these vessels, enhancing logistics and repair capabilities.

USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) successfully completed its sea trials and is preparing for operational deployment. The U.S. Navy is set to operate two Ford-class aircraft carriers, enhancing its capabilities in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The Ford-class features advanced automation and reduced crew requirements, supporting a faster operational tempo. The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is currently active in the Mediterranean Sea.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program effectively dead, citing differing requirements between Germany and France. Belgian defense minister Theo Francken confirmed there will be no Franco-German sixth-generation fighter jet. The situation has led to intensified calls for restructuring the program, with skepticism about the feasibility of multiple next-gen fighter projects in Europe.

Saudi Arabia contracted four C-27J maritime patrol aircraft from Italian firm Leonardo to enhance its naval capabilities. The delivery of these aircraft is expected to commence in 2029, marking a significant step in the Kingdom's naval modernization efforts. This acquisition follows a previous procurement of two C-27J aircraft for commercial use and is aimed at improving maritime domain awareness and operational reach against regional threats.

The U.S. Navy's Abraham Lincoln carrier is positioned off the coast of Oman, while Iranian naval drills continue in the Hormuz Strait. Russian forces have intensified missile strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, launching over 400 attacks recently. The U.S. aims to deter Iranian aggression and maintain military readiness in the region.

The U.S. Navy's A-12 Avenger II program, intended to produce a stealth bomber, was canceled in 1991 due to significant technical failures and budget overruns. The aircraft was reported to be overweight and behind schedule, leading Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney to terminate the project as military priorities shifted after the Cold War. The program's cancellation left a legacy of caution regarding ambitious defense projects.

Estonia is negotiating with BAE Systems Hägglunds to produce parts for the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle program, aiming for local production and deliveries by the end of 2030. The Estonian Minister of Defense highlighted the potential involvement of local companies in the supply chain. This initiative is part of a joint procurement effort involving six European nations, with Estonia potentially ordering 10 percent of the total vehicles.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has introduced the J-20S fighter, a twin-seat fifth-generation stealth aircraft designed for aerial command-and-control and potential carrier strike missions. This aircraft features advanced AESA radar technology, enabling superior detection capabilities and optimized for targeting U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups. The J-20S represents a significant shift in PLAAF operational doctrine, emphasizing manned-unmanned teaming and long-range attack capabilities.

The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) unveiled the White Emperor, a conceptual sixth-generation fighter jet mock-up, at the 2024 Zhuhai Air Show. This aircraft is designed to carry nuclear-tipped hypersonic missiles and directed-energy weapons. However, experts are skeptical about its feasibility, citing design flaws and the lack of operational prototypes. Following its unveiling, the mock-up has reportedly gone missing, raising questions about its legitimacy and purpose.

Divergent Technologies and Mach Industries launched the Venom autonomous strike aircraft prototype in Los Angeles on February 17, 2026. The prototype was developed in just 71 days, showcasing rapid hardware development through digital manufacturing. This project aims to demonstrate how defense hardware can transition from concept to operational prototype, integrating autonomous flight capabilities with advanced manufacturing techniques.

In 2024, the U.S. Navy sank the ex-USS Cleveland during a sinking exercise (SINKEX) in the North Pacific Ocean, 40 miles from land. This event was part of the Valiant Shield 24 exercise, which emphasized multi-domain coordination and included the use of Precision Strike Missiles against a naval target. The exercise aimed to gather data on hull performance under weapons impact and enhance crew readiness.

China has enhanced its military capabilities to track and threaten U.S. aircraft carriers, particularly in the Taiwan Strait and Pacific regions, since the 1995-1996 crisis. The People's Liberation Army has shifted its strategy from sinking carriers to pushing them back using advanced surveillance and strike systems. This modernization aims to complicate U.S. power projection and reduce the operational effectiveness of American naval forces.