Analysis & Reports

Poland supplied 24 M120 Rak self-propelled mortar systems and 12 command post vehicles to Ukraine in April 2023, with operational deployment occurring by Q3 2023. The US Army is developing the AMPV, which includes a prototype fitted with the NEMO 120 mm turreted mortar system. The M120 Rak systems are noted for their rapid deployment capabilities and high rates of fire.

AI-controlled drone swarms are poised to revolutionize military operations globally, with Ukraine integrating battlefield data into neural networks for enhanced air defense. The U.S. Department of Defense plans to implement AI for optimizing workflows and military command. Additionally, AI's role in military medicine is being explored for remote healthcare. Russia and other nations are also researching AI for tactical analysis and cybersecurity.

The U.S. 'Iron Dome' missile defense system program has made little progress after one year due to technical disputes and concerns over space-based components. Funding of $25 billion allocated last year remains largely unspent as discussions on the system's architecture continue. Contracts for competing missile defense prototypes were awarded to several companies, but the program's completion before 2028 is deemed unlikely.

The U.S. Navy's proposed guided-missile battleship program, BBG(X), faces scrutiny due to projected costs of $13.5 billion per ship and labor shortages in shipbuilding. The first ship, BBG-1 USS Defiant, is part of the Trump-class initiative, which may not materialize as planned due to financial constraints and potential cancellation by future administrations. The program aims to create a conventionally powered battleship equipped with advanced weaponry.

The U.S. Navy canceled the A-12 Avenger II program on January 7, 1991, due to significant cost overruns and manufacturing challenges. The only prototype built was a mockup, which is now displayed at a museum. Following the cancellation, the Navy transitioned to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet as a replacement for its aging aircraft.

The 055-class destroyer is equipped with a 130mm automatic naval gun, which is noted for its high rate of fire, long range, and accuracy. Experts assert that this naval gun can deliver firepower comparable to an artillery battalion, effectively targeting both land and surface threats. Its advanced automatic loading system allows for rapid firing, enhancing its operational effectiveness in amphibious assault scenarios.

The U.S. Navy's A-12 Avenger II program was canceled on January 7, 1991, due to cost overruns and manufacturing difficulties, resulting in only a mockup being built. The Navy had planned to acquire 620 units, but the project faced significant challenges, leading to its termination and subsequent litigation over funding returns. The cancellation occurred shortly before the Persian Gulf War, during which the effectiveness of stealth technology was publicly demonstrated by the F-117.

The THAAD missile defense system, developed by the United States, is designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. It utilizes hit-to-kill interceptors and the AN/TPY-2 X-band radar for high-resolution tracking. THAAD's deployment has raised geopolitical tensions, particularly in East Asia, as it complicates adversary missile planning and enhances U.S. security guarantees. Critics argue that it undermines strategic stability.

The development of next-generation fighters, including China's J-36 and the U.S. F-47, emphasizes larger sizes and advanced capabilities. These aircraft are intended to function as flying command centers, integrating with unmanned systems and enhancing battlefield management. The J-36 is currently in development, while the F-47 is projected to be stealthier and more capable than its predecessors, focusing on long-range operations and advanced sensor integration.

The Su-57 Felon, Russia's first fifth-generation stealth fighter, emphasizes maneuverability over stealth and has produced 32 aircraft as of December 2023. Its production is hampered by a weak industrial base, and it features advanced engines and weapon systems designed for modern combat. The aircraft's capabilities are positioned as a response to U.S. stealth fighters, but its actual performance remains a subject of debate.

The S-3 Viking was retired from the U.S. Navy in 2009 due to its inability to compete with modern threats, being replaced by the more advanced P-8 Poseidon. The Viking, which operated with a crew of four and could fly over 500 mph, had limitations in survivability and upgrade potential. Its combat record included successful operations during the Iraq War, but it could not be economically redesigned to meet evolving military needs.

The KC-390 platform, manufactured by Embraer, is designed to quickly transform between multiple mission capabilities, including tanker, transport, and medevac roles. This flexibility allows for rapid adaptation to current mission needs, enhancing operational effectiveness.

Norway selected Hanwha Aerospace’s Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system for its ground-based long-range precision fires system, marking a $2 billion investment. The deal includes 16 launch systems and a significant number of missiles, with deliveries scheduled from 2028 to 2031. This decision indicates a shift in Nordic defense acquisitions towards South Korean defense exports amid rising security concerns from Russia.

The U.S. Air Force, in collaboration with Lockheed Martin and NASA, developed the X-44 MANTA, an experimental stealth fighter concept aimed at achieving advanced maneuverability without tailplanes. The program, initiated in 1999, was defunded in 2000 due to technical risks and competing priorities with other aircraft. The X-44 was designed to reach speeds of Mach 1.95 and featured advanced thrust vectoring technology for enhanced agility.

The Eurofighter Typhoon fleet surpassed one million flight hours as of January 29, 2026, marking a significant milestone in its operational history. This achievement reflects the performance and reliability of the aircraft, which is crucial for the air missions of Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Currently, over 600 Eurofighters are operational globally, with significant orders from various nations, including Spain and Italy.

Russia is reportedly leveraging Starlink satellite systems to extend the range of its drones. Ukraine's Defence Minister praised SpaceX for its swift response to this development. The involvement of Starlink indicates a significant shift in the operational capabilities of Russian drones in the conflict.

The U.S. Army issued a request for information for up to 11 business jets to support the High Altitude Detection and Exploitation System (HADES) program. The aircraft must operate at high altitudes and carry significant payloads. The Army currently plans to acquire six production aircraft and three prototypes, with responses to the RFI due by February 12. This initiative reflects the Army's focus on enhancing its intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.

The F-22 Raptor continues to serve as a cornerstone of U.S. air dominance, remaining operationally relevant with fewer than 200 aircraft in service. Designed for air superiority, it has not been surpassed in its capabilities despite being in service for over 20 years. Continuous upgrades and the expertise of U.S. pilots ensure its effectiveness against peer adversaries.

USS John F. Kennedy conducted sea trials off the coast of Newport News, Virginia, on Wednesday. This Ford-class aircraft carrier, which is 1,092 feet long and weighs 100,000 tons, is expected to join the fleet in March 2027 after delays. The trials are intended to test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.

USS John F. Kennedy conducted sea trials off the coast of Newport News, Virginia, on Wednesday. This Ford-class aircraft carrier, which is 1,092 feet long and weighs 100,000 tons, is expected to join the fleet in March 2027 after delays. The trials are intended to test important ship systems and components at sea for the first time.