Analysis & Reports

Poland's Ministry of National Defence signed a PLN 15 billion ($4.2 billion) deal with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and PGZ for counter-unmanned aerial systems to protect its airspace from Russian drone incursions. The agreement, signed on January 30, 2026, includes 18 anti-drone batteries and 703 vehicles, with deliveries expected to start in 2026. This initiative is part of Poland's broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities amid ongoing regional threats.

SD Government received T-1 certification from the US Air Force Air Mobility Command for the Roll-on/Roll-off Tactical Removable Airborne Satellite Communications capability for C-130 aircraft on February 2, 2026, in Singapore. This certification enables multiple satellite communication options and enhances operational capabilities for C-130 variants, improving situational awareness for military forces.

BIRD Aerosystems secured a multi-million dollar contract on February 2, 2026, to supply dozens of SPREOS DIRCM systems for a Helicopter Upgrade Program in the Asia Pacific region. The contract involves strategic cooperation with a local defense company for knowledge transfer and production. SPREOS DIRCM systems are designed to protect helicopters from missile threats, enhancing the modernization of national helicopter fleets.

BIRD Aerosystems secured a multi-million dollar contract on February 2, 2026, to supply dozens of SPREOS DIRCM systems for a Helicopter Upgrade Program in the Asia Pacific region. This contract includes strategic cooperation with a local defense company for knowledge transfer and local production. The SPREOS DIRCM system is designed to protect helicopters from missile threats, enhancing their operational capabilities.

Teledyne FLIR Defense received a $17.5 million contract from armasuisse on February 2, 2026, to deliver a large number of Black Hornet 4 nano-drones for reconnaissance. These drones will be integrated with the Piranha 8×8 Armored engineering vehicle, enhancing situational awareness for vehicle crews. The Black Hornet 4 features advanced capabilities, including real-time video streaming and target data generation.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will showcase its integrated air, space, intelligence, and air defense capabilities at the Singapore Airshow 2026. The exhibition will feature advanced systems such as the SPICE Family, IRON DOME, and LITENING-5 targeting pod, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing military operational effectiveness. This event underscores the growing need for integrated military solutions in complex environments.

Rheinmetall signed a multi-year framework contract with the Royal Netherlands Army for the production of approximately 15 types of hand grenades on 30 January 2026. The contract, valued in the double-digit million euro range, allows flexible procurement throughout its five-year term, with a possible two-year extension. Production will occur at Rheinmetall's facilities in Trittau and Silberhütte, Germany, and Schwanenstadt, Austria.

South Korea has begun deploying anti-drone protective nets on K2 Black Panther tanks and K21 infantry fighting vehicles during a January 2026 exercise. This initiative, led by the ROK Army’s 8th Maneuver Division, aims to enhance protection against low-cost aerial threats, reflecting a strategic shift in armored warfare. The nets are designed to trigger premature detonation of drones, indicating a proactive adaptation to lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Leonardo unveiled the Hystrix 76 ADS, a new land-based air defense system, at its facility in Brescia, northern Italy. The system, based on the 76/62 mm naval gun, is designed for remote operation and can fire various types of ammunition. A prototype is expected to be ready by the end of 2025, showcasing capabilities against aerial threats, including drones.

Taiwan has confirmed the completion of the third batch of 28 M1A2T Abrams tanks in the United States, which are set to be shipped to the island. The Taiwan Army's Sixth Army Corps is preparing for the integration of these tanks into its operational force structure, while the second batch is currently undergoing training. An internal activation ceremony is planned for the second quarter of this year to officially add the new units to combat readiness.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a successful live-warhead test of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) at the Eglin Test and Training Range in Florida. This test, which met all primary objectives, marks a significant milestone in the program's accelerated development, occurring less than 16 months after the initial contract award. Zone 5 Technologies confirmed its support during the testing, which validated the capabilities of the ERAM system designed for long-range strike operations.

Lithuanian defense units demonstrated the capabilities of the Hornet XR reconnaissance drones during a recent high-level visit. The Hornet XR, developed by Granta Autonomy, features a range of up to 50 kilometers and is designed for unit-level intelligence collection. This demonstration highlights Lithuania's efforts to enhance its reconnaissance capabilities amid a deteriorating security environment in the region.

The Swiss government approved the procurement of Black Hornet 4 nano-drones for integration with Piranha 8×8 armored vehicles, following a $17.5 million contract awarded to Teledyne FLIR Defense on February 2, 2026. The drones will enhance reconnaissance capabilities by providing real-time data sharing with vehicle crews. The first integrated systems were delivered in 2025, with remaining deliveries scheduled for 2026.

China is fundamentally reassessing its missile requirements for Taiwan contingency operations, potentially increasing estimates significantly. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expanding its missile arsenal, with projections indicating it will have the world's largest land-based ballistic missile arsenal by 2025. This shift reflects lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and indicates a move towards prolonged attrition warfare scenarios.

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HAVELSAN demonstrated its autonomous swarm drone capabilities using POYRAZ Quadcopter drones in a recent live field activity. The swarm effectively maintained operational continuity despite communication disruptions and autonomously engaged multiple targets. The demonstration showcased the integration of various unmanned systems and highlighted the maturity of HAVELSAN's technology for future combat concepts.

Hanwha Aerospace signed a contract with the Norwegian Defence Material Agency in Oslo on January 30, 2026, to supply 16 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems valued at approximately $922 million. This contract marks a significant milestone as part of Norway's $2 billion acquisition project. The Chunmoo system is designed for reliability in Arctic conditions and will enhance interoperability with Norway's existing defense infrastructure.

Ukraine's defense industry scaled up production significantly from 2022 to 2025, adapting to wartime conditions and increasing output despite Russian strikes. The sector expanded to nearly 1,000 enterprises, with a focus on UAVs and artillery shells. By 2025, annual defense output is projected to reach USD 35 billion, supported by private investment and international partnerships.

The U.S. Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams tank at the Detroit Auto Show on January 17, 2026. This new 60-ton tank is designed to counter emerging threats such as loitering drones and top-attack missiles, featuring a diesel-electric hybrid engine and advanced counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) technology. The M1E3 will enhance mobility and survivability, allowing it to operate alongside robotic platforms for reconnaissance and ammunition delivery.

Ukrainian interceptor drones, including the SEEDIS, were displayed at the UMEX 2026 exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The SEEDIS is designed to protect critical airspace from hostile UAVs and operates within a networked air defense system. It features advanced sensors and can engage aerial threats with high precision. The use of interceptor drones is becoming more prevalent in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, particularly against low-speed aerial targets.

Adm. Daryl Caudle confirmed that the U.S. Navy is exploring the integration of megawatt-class lasers and high-power microwave systems into the future Trump-class battleships during the Surface Navy Association symposium in January 2026. This shift aims to enhance naval defense capabilities against modern threats, including drone swarms. The Navy is currently addressing technical challenges associated with directed energy weapons, while other nations like China and Japan are also advancing similar technologies.