Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force received its first two Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the YFQ-44A Fury and YFQ-42A Vengeance, at Creech Air Force Base on September 24, 2023. These uncrewed jets are designed to operate alongside crewed fighters and are currently undergoing operational testing. The Air Force aims to procure over 150 of these aircraft by the end of the decade, with significant funding allocated for their development and production.

The U.S. Air Force announced a contract modification worth $87.4 million to Northrop Grumman for the AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, raising the total contract value to $1.92 billion. This system, designed for F-16 fighter jets, enhances radar-jamming capabilities and threat warnings. Production is set to be completed by December 31, 2029, with initial deployment for 72 F-16 Block 50 jets planned.

The U.S. Navy awarded Northrop Grumman a contract worth $123.8 million for long-lead parts for 67 AN/APG-85 radars intended for F-35 fighter jets. The contract, announced on September 24, 2023, is funded by the U.S. Air Force and Navy and is set to be completed by February 2031. Due to delays, F-35 jets are currently being delivered without radars, impacting their operational capability.

XTEND AI Robotics, Inc. was awarded Phase III of the U.S. Special Operations Command Modular Kinetic Lethal Drone Program on September 23, 2026, in Tampa. This phase advances the development of precision-strike unmanned systems designed for U.S. Special Operations Forces, integrating various drone platforms and a common Ground Control Station. The initiative aims to provide tactical units with modular and reusable capabilities for diverse operational environments.

The Royal Navy's HMS Vengeance and HMS Vanguard experienced failed test launches of Trident II D5 missiles in June 2016 and January 30, 2024, respectively. The 2016 missile veered off course and was destroyed, while the 2024 missile fell into the Atlantic due to a failure in its first-stage motors. These incidents highlight ongoing issues with Britain's nuclear deterrent capabilities, as no successful test launches have occurred since before 2016.

The U.S. Navy has repurposed its three Zumwalt-class destroyers by removing the Advanced Gun System and installing Vertical Launch System cells for Conventional Prompt Strike missiles. Originally designed for shore bombardment, the Zumwalt-class faced significant cost overruns and technical challenges, leading to a reduced fleet size. The new configuration allows for enhanced long-range strike capabilities.

USS Gerald R. Ford is undergoing modifications in July 2026 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard to support F-35C fighter operations, which have not yet been completed. The Navy has recognized the need for stronger jet blast deflectors to handle the heat generated during F-35C launches. The next Ford-class carrier, USS John F. Kennedy, is set to include these modifications before its entry into service.

Boeing developed and tested the YF-118G Bird of Prey stealth aircraft from 1996 to 2002, conducting 38 test flights at speeds of 300 miles per hour. The project, which cost $67 million, aimed to explore stealth technology without entering military service. The aircraft is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio discussed a potential limited ceasefire in New York on the 23rd, focusing on energy and food issues. Ukraine is preparing for a difficult winter, and the U.S. is advocating a three-step plan to ease tensions. Both sides expressed interest in a ceasefire, although differing interpretations exist regarding its terms. Russia continues to assert its military objectives while engaging in diplomatic discussions.

Canada's first Lockheed F-35A fighter jet took off from Fort Worth, Texas, on September 23rd. This aircraft is part of a plan to acquire 88 F-35s to replace the aging CF-18 Hornets, with initial operational capability expected in 2029. The acquisition cost has risen significantly, and political discussions continue regarding the best options for Canada's defense needs.

The Air Force Thunderbirds pilot ejected safely from an F-16 jet during a crash on December 5, 2025, near Nellis Air Force Base. A flaw in the jet's engine caused the crash, which resulted in the aircraft impacting the California desert. The pilot landed safely under a parachute and received treatment for minor injuries. A 360-degree camera captured the ejection and subsequent crash.

USS Nimitz continues to serve in Norfolk, Virginia, until March 2027 due to delays in the commissioning of USS John F. Kennedy. The U.S. Navy is using Nimitz as a training carrier while maintaining its operational status, as federal law requires at least 11 active aircraft carriers. Kennedy's construction delays have pushed its entry into service to next year, impacting the Navy's deployment capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force's F-35A Lightning II requires chilled fuel for operations in temperatures above 80°F to prevent malfunctions. At Tyndall Air Force Base, exercises highlighted the importance of managing fuel temperatures, especially in high-heat environments like Luke Air Force Base. The Government Accountability Office noted that the F-35's cooling system is overburdened, leading to increased maintenance costs, while Honeywell Aerospace proposed enhancements to improve cooling capacity.

In September 2022, the USS Nimitz reported contamination of its drinking water with JP-5 aviation fuel while operating off Southern California. Eleven sailors became ill due to the contaminated water, which had entered an unused tank 18 months earlier. The ship temporarily relied on the City of San Diego's water supply while the issue was investigated.

The U.S. Navy launched the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Warfighting Development Center (RASWDC) in Virginia Beach to develop tactics for unmanned systems. This center aims to enhance operational employment and integration of robotic capabilities within the Navy. The initiative aligns with the Navy's broader strategy to incorporate unmanned systems into its operational framework, ensuring that sailors are equipped with advanced training and doctrine for modern warfare.

Fincantieri Marine Systems and Seatek signed a memorandum of understanding to explore marine market opportunities across the Americas on September 24, 2026. The agreement focuses on promoting Seatek's propulsion systems in the United States, Canada, Central America, and South America. FMS plans to showcase Seatek's engines at upcoming maritime exhibitions, aiming to support naval and defense stakeholders.

US Air Force General Alexus Grynkewich announced that the US will continue to provide critical but limited military capabilities to NATO during a change of command ceremony in Norfolk, Virginia. He highlighted NATO's readiness to counter potential threats from Russia, including warnings of intensified hybrid warfare. Grynkewich reassured European allies of the alliance's strength and capability to manage risks, despite concerns over a possible limited military attack from Russia.

The Air Force announced plans to eliminate civilian positions at the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) in Washington, leading to confusion about its future. CASI will continue to operate with military personnel, but its director warned that essential research capabilities will be compromised without civilian staff. The situation reflects broader Pentagon workforce cuts and has raised concerns about the impact on U.S. military understanding of China.

The Air Force announced that the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) in Washington will continue operations but will only employ military personnel, eliminating eight civilian positions. Director Brendan Mulvaney warned that the research capabilities of CASI will be severely impacted without civilian experts. The staff reductions are part of broader Pentagon cuts, raising concerns about the future of military knowledge regarding China's air and space power.

The U.S. Army halted the procurement of the XM7 rifle on October 1, 2025, after soldiers expressed dissatisfaction with its performance and weight. The rifle, intended to replace the M4 and M249 SAW, faced criticism for its 20-round magazine capacity and issues with ammunition effectiveness. The Army is now transitioning to the XM8 carbine, which is lighter but retains the same cartridge as the XM7.