Analysis & Reports

China has built over 300 J-20 stealth fighters, integrating them into the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by late October 2025. The J-20 is designed for air superiority and to target high-value assets, with plans to produce over 1,000 units by 2030. This rapid production is reshaping military aviation capabilities globally.

NMS UK plans to commence production of armored vehicles in 2026 at its facility in Leamington, West Midlands. The company, a subsidiary of the Turkish Nurol group, currently employs over 20 personnel and anticipates significant workforce growth. At the IAV 2026 conference, NMS UK showcased the Nomad and Lurcher vehicles, highlighting their advanced armament and design features.

Rostec delivered new Zubr short-range air defense systems to Russian military units to protect critical infrastructure from unmanned aerial threats. The systems are now operational and equipped with radar for detecting both large and small aerial targets. Zubr is designed for point defense, providing protection in the immediate vicinity of high-value targets against increasing drone threats.

The Swedish armed forces received their first Piorun man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) from Poland in December 2025. This acquisition followed a SEK 3 billion order placed during the DSEI defense exhibition in September 2025. The Piorun system, known as RBS 102 in Swedish service, is designed to engage various air targets at ranges up to 6.5 km and has been successfully used by Polish and Ukrainian forces.

The Italian Army received its first four Lynx infantry fighting vehicles on January 27, 2023, at the Multifunctional Experimentation Center in Montelibretti. This delivery marks the launch of the Army Armoured Combat Systems program, aimed at modernizing land combat capabilities. The vehicles will be tested before entering operational service, with plans for further procurement to renew the Army's heavy mechanized fleet.

The YF-23 Black Widow II was designed by Northrop as a stealth fighter emphasizing low observability and supercruise speed. It lost the Advanced Tactical Fighter competition to the F-22 due to the latter's superior maneuverability. Despite this, the YF-23's design philosophy has influenced modern stealth aircraft and reflects a shift towards long-range, beyond-visual-range combat strategies. The aircraft was intended for air superiority and deep counter-air missions.

The M60A3 tank was developed by the U.S. Army as a stopgap solution during the Cold War to counter Soviet armor, featuring a modernized fire-control system that improved its combat effectiveness. It served primarily in Europe and continued to be utilized by allied nations into the 21st century, demonstrating significant operational capabilities despite being phased out in favor of the M1 Abrams.

The Italian Army received its first four Lynx fighting vehicles from Rheinmetall at Montelibretti. This delivery is part of a larger order of 1,050 vehicles, aimed at enhancing military capabilities and fostering defense cooperation with Germany. The program is expected to improve industrial integration and interoperability between European forces, with further deliveries planned through 2030.

Armoured forces continue to adapt to the evolving drone threat in modern warfare, with various military forces implementing new protective measures and technologies. The effectiveness of small drones against heavy armor is debated, with reported success rates varying significantly. Recent developments include the introduction of electronic warfare systems and active protection systems to enhance vehicle survivability against UAVs.

Indonesia received three Rafale fighter jets from France on January 23, 2023, marking the first delivery under a multi-billion dollar defense agreement. The aircraft are now stationed at Roesmin Nurjadin Air Base in Pekanbaru, Sumatra. Indonesia has ordered a total of 42 Rafale jets and plans to increase its defense spending under President Prabowo Subianto.

Major military installations in the United States lack protection from drone attacks due to bureaucratic confusion over coverage policies. The Department of Defense Inspector General's report revealed that training bases, such as Luke Air Force Base, are not designated for counter-drone defenses. In 2024, drone incursions were reported at several sites, prompting the establishment of a new task force to address these vulnerabilities and improve C-UAS capabilities.

Major military installations in the United States lack protection from drone attacks due to bureaucratic confusion regarding coverage policies. The Department of Defense Inspector General's report revealed that critical sites, including Luke Air Force Base, are not designated for counter-drone defenses. This vulnerability has raised concerns following multiple drone incursions at various installations, highlighting the need for clearer policies and operational approvals for counter-unmanned aerial systems.

Chinese researchers at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre claimed to have identified aerodynamic and stability limitations in the U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider using the PADJ-X software. The study, published in 2023, suggests a 15% increase in lift-to-drag ratio but is based on theoretical models rather than classified data. The B-21 Raider is currently undergoing flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base.

The Su-35 fighter, developed from the Su-27 lineage, is currently in service with the Russian Air Force. It is characterized by strong kinematics and heavy weapon carriage but suffers from significant limitations, including a large radar signature and lack of stealth. The aircraft's operational effectiveness is constrained by modern surface-to-air missile threats and the challenges faced by the Russian aerospace industry due to sanctions. The Su-35 is best suited for homeland defense and air policing roles, reflecting Russia's reliance on legacy designs.

Russia is promoting the MiG-41 as a next-generation interceptor capable of Mach 4-5 speeds and hypersonic missile interception. However, significant technical challenges and industrial constraints raise doubts about its viability. No prototypes have been confirmed, and the program appears more as a strategic signaling exercise than a credible military development.

The U.S. Air Force is reassessing its planned acquisition of 100 B-21 Raiders, recognizing that this number may be inadequate for potential conflicts with China and Russia by 2027. Experts suggest increasing the fleet to 200-250 bombers to ensure effective deterrence and operational capability. The B-21 is designed to operate in high-threat environments and integrate with other military assets.

North Korea conducted a test firing of a new large-caliber rocket artillery system on January 27, with Kim Jong-un observing the event. Four rockets successfully struck a target located 358.5 km from the launch site. Kim expressed satisfaction with the results, indicating that the upcoming 9th Congress of the Workers' Party will outline plans to enhance the country's nuclear deterrent capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is urged to accelerate the F/A-XX stealth fighter program to address the growing threat from advanced Iranian air defenses. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle emphasized the need for enhanced capabilities, including stealth and electronic warfare, to ensure operational effectiveness in the future. A recent defense spending bill allocates $897 million for the program, highlighting its importance amid evolving regional threats.

The U.S. Coast Guard has begun training personnel on Jet Skis for border security operations off the coast of San Diego, California, as part of its Force Design 2028 initiative. This new tool aims to enhance the Coast Guard's capabilities in securing the U.S.-Mexico border. The introduction of Jet Skis coincides with a notable increase in recruitment for the service in fiscal 2025.

India showcased a range of indigenous military equipment during the Republic Day parade on January 26, including the debut of the LR-AShM hypersonic missile. The missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), has a range exceeding 1500 kilometers and is designed for naval defense. The parade also featured various other indigenous systems, emphasizing India's growing military capabilities and self-reliance in defense manufacturing.