Analysis & Reports

The F-15EX Eagle II is being deployed by the U.S. Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard for various military operations, including air policing and ground strikes. It features 23-25 weapons stations and a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, making it a versatile strike fighter. The aircraft is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and will also be permanently based at Kadena Air Base in Japan, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered 34 Aliaca vertical take-off and landing systems from Airbus Helicopters for the French Navy, with deliveries starting in May 2026. This new version enhances operational flexibility and is designed for various missions, including surveillance and search and rescue. The Aliaca VTOL has been tested on land and at sea, demonstrating its capabilities.

Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue to upgrade and maintain M60 Patton tanks, which have been modernized with 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced fire control systems. Spain announced plans to sell 260-300 M60s in 2024, while Iran has significantly modified its M60s for enhanced combat capabilities. The M60 remains a viable military asset due to its affordability and reliability.

Viasat, Inc. launched a new satellite service portfolio in London on February 2, 2026, aimed at enhancing government UAV operations. The portfolio includes various connectivity services designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and defense missions. Additionally, Viasat introduced lightweight terminals for UAVs to ensure reliable communications in challenging environments.

The U.S. Air Force proposed the FB-22 as a stealthy strike platform to enhance its capabilities during the early 2000s. The design aimed to modify the F-22 Raptor for ground attack roles, but the project was ultimately sidelined due to changing military priorities and budget limitations. The FB-22 was envisioned to supplement existing bombers and replace some functions of the F-15E Strike Eagle.

ST Engineering unveiled the EagleStrike, a new loitering munition, at the Singapore Airshow in 2026. This precision-strike weapon is designed for ground forces to engage high-value targets beyond line of sight. It features vehicle-launch capabilities, a dual-mode warhead, and advanced sensors for accurate targeting.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased the L‑Spike 1X loitering munition at the Singapore Airshow in 2026. This new weapon system is designed for company-level operations, offering both ISR and precision strike capabilities. It features a compact design for portability and operates using advanced navigation technology without GPS. The L‑Spike 1X aims to provide tactical advantages in urban and dense environments, enhancing the effectiveness of ground forces.

The U.S. Army is developing the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to utilize autonomous drones and ground robots for cleaning chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower needs. Additionally, the Army is upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information for the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The U.S. Army is developing autonomous drones and ground robots as part of the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to clean up chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower and resource strain. The Army is also upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information regarding the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of its Drone Dominance Program. Evaluation for the first phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order approximately $150 million in prototype drones. The program aims to rapidly acquire hundreds of thousands of drones by 2027, emphasizing the need for inexpensive combat capabilities.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of the Drone Dominance Program. The evaluation phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order 30,000 drones at $5,000 each. The program aims to enhance U.S. military drone capabilities by 2027, with a total budget of $1.1 billion across four phases.

Russia continues to deploy T-72 tanks in the Ukraine War, leveraging their mass production and adaptability to counter Ukrainian anti-tank tactics. Since February 2022, the T-72 has proven effective on the battlefield, with over 25,000 units built and utilized by more than 40 countries. Despite vulnerabilities, the T-72's affordability and ease of maintenance make it a key asset for Russian forces.

The U.S. Army plans to award a contract for a self-propelled howitzer program by July 2024, with prototype proposals expected later this month. This initiative is part of the Army Transformation Initiative, aiming to replace the towed M777 howitzers. Competitors include Hanwha, Rheinmetall, and General Dynamics, among others.

Hanwha presented its vision for the future heavy formations of the Republic of Korea Army at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference in Farnborough. The ROK Army plans to deploy new unmanned and manned vehicles, including the K-NIFV and H-UGVs, starting around 2026. Significant changes to the mechanized infantry battalion structure will incorporate MUM-T capabilities, enhancing operational effectiveness against emerging threats.

The Pentagon has selected 25 companies to demonstrate unmanned one-way attack drones at Fort Benning, Georgia, from mid-February to March 2025. This event is part of the Drone Dominance Program, which aims to reform military procurement and enhance capabilities. The total expected orders for these drones could reach $150 million, with a directive for Army squads to be equipped with small drones by the end of fiscal 2026.

USS Preble neutralized four uncrewed aerial vehicles using the HELIOS laser during a counter-UAS exercise at sea last year, with the test publicly disclosed on May 21, 2020. The HELIOS system, integrated into the Aegis Combat System, represents a significant advancement in naval air defense capabilities, allowing for multi-target engagement. This test highlights the U.S. Navy's ongoing development of directed energy weapons as a supplement to traditional missile systems.

The U.S. Air Force's decision to limit F-22 Raptor production to 186 aircraft has significantly impacted its air dominance capabilities. The upcoming F-47 fighter is expected to replace the F-22, incorporating advanced technologies. The F-22, despite its age, remains a benchmark for stealth fighters, but the U.S. faces challenges from adversaries like China, which has developed the J-20. The strategic implications of these aircraft decisions are critical for future military operations.

Uzbekistan and the Philippines announced their acquisition of military aircraft from Embraer at the Singapore Airshow. Uzbekistan will receive two KC-390 airlifters, while the Philippines is acquiring a second batch of six A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, bringing its total to 12. The KC-390 will enhance Uzbekistan's transport and humanitarian capabilities, with the first delivery expected later this year.

Picogrid secured a $9.3 million contract to integrate AI-driven counter-drone systems at U.S. Air Force bases. The software, named Legion, connects various military systems, significantly reducing integration time from weeks to less than a day. This contract follows the company's experience in rapidly integrating drone-detection systems for military units, showcasing advancements in military technology integration.

Raytheon completed a ballistic test of the US Army's next generation interceptor (NGSRI) missile, which is designed to replace the Stinger surface-to-air system. This test marks a significant step in the US Army's modernization of its air defense capabilities.