Analysis & Reports

French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna observed a demonstration of unmanned surface vessels in Toulon on January 22, 2023. Seven companies showcased their vessels in a competition organized by the French Defense Procurement Agency. The French Navy aims to introduce armed unmanned vessels by early 2027, with the first batch of 1000 AI drones already delivered. Additionally, a new remote-controlled kamikaze drone is being developed in collaboration with European missile manufacturers.

The U.S. and British forces developed heavy tanks with large guns in response to Soviet threats during the Cold War. The Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun became the NATO standard, influencing global tank armament. Current developments include the MGCS program, which is exploring advanced 130 mm and 140 mm gun systems for future tanks. Soviet advancements in tank armament also shifted the landscape, introducing smoothbore technology.

The U.S. Air Force developed the D-21 reconnaissance drone in the 1960s to conduct high-speed, high-altitude missions over denied territory. Operational attempts targeting China's Lop Nor nuclear test site occurred between 1969 and 1971 but failed to yield usable intelligence. The program was ultimately canceled in 1971 as satellite technology improved, rendering the D-21 obsolete.

The Y-20 transport aircraft, developed by China, successfully completed its maiden flight 13 years ago. It has since been integrated into the People's Liberation Army Air Force, showcasing capabilities in long-range flights and complex weather operations. The aircraft has played roles in disaster relief and the repatriation of remains, symbolizing its importance in military logistics.

The Chinese 24th Peacekeeping Force successfully passed a UN equipment inspection in Lebanon on the 24th, showcasing their operational readiness. The inspection covered over 20 categories of equipment, including vehicles and medical supplies, with all items meeting or exceeding UN standards. A team of 15 UN professionals conducted the thorough evaluation, highlighting the professionalism of the Chinese forces.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, which emphasizes improved survivability and mobility, while the Russian Army continues to upgrade the T-72B3M tank. The M1E3 is designed to integrate advanced protection systems and a new power system, contrasting with the T-72B3M's reliance on legacy designs. Both tanks are equipped with powerful cannons, but the M1E3 benefits from superior fire control systems.

The U.S. Army canceled the M10 Booker program in May 2025 due to excessive weight, which rendered it incompatible with its rapid-deployment role. Originally designed as an airdroppable assault gun for Infantry Brigade Combat Teams, the vehicle's weight increased to 38-42 tons, leading to unresolved maintenance issues and cost growth. Approximately 80 vehicles were in testing, with 26 delivered before the program's termination.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) completed builder’s sea trials in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in 2023, marking a significant modernization to integrate hypersonic missiles. This upgrade allows the Zumwalt-class destroyers to strike targets anywhere in the world within 60 minutes. The modernization includes replacing the Advanced Gun Systems with missile tubes, enhancing the ship's combat capabilities alongside the other Zumwalt-class vessels, USS Michael Monsoor and USS Lyndon B. Johnson.

The U.S. Navy is planning the construction of Trump-class battleships, projected to cost between $18 and $22 billion each, making them the most expensive naval platforms ever. These battleships are designed to counter China's growing naval fleet and will incorporate advanced technologies such as lasers and hypersonics. The Navy aims to build 10 or more of these ships to reduce costs through economies of scale.

The U.S. Navy is constructing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are 60% complete and scheduled for delivery in 2030. This $348 billion program aims to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet with 12 new submarines featuring advanced technologies such as an electric drive propulsion system and a life-of-core nuclear reactor. These innovations enhance stealth and operational capabilities, ensuring strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

The U.S. Navy's SSN(X) submarine program has faced significant delays, with procurement now expected in the early 2040s instead of the mid-2030s. The FY 2026 budget includes $222.8 million for research and development, but Congress has not yet committed to the program. Meanwhile, China's submarine production outpaces that of the U.S., raising concerns about undersea superiority.

The M103 heavy tank, developed by the U.S. Army in response to Soviet armor, weighed 65 tons and featured a 120mm M58 rifled gun. It was intended for use in Europe against Soviet heavy tanks but was retired in 1974 due to technological advancements that made heavy tanks obsolete. The U.S. Army withdrew the M103 from service by 1963, while the Marine Corps continued to use it until the early 1970s.

China asserted the superiority of its 6th-generation fighters, the J-36 and J-50, over the U.S. F-47 during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Analysts noted that China has been actively developing these aircraft since December 2024, while the F-47 faces significant technological challenges. Concerns were raised about the F-47's design, particularly regarding its stealth capabilities compared to Chinese models.

The M60A3 tank modernization program enhanced the U.S. Army's armored capabilities during the Cold War, featuring improved fire control and accuracy. It served primarily in Europe against Warsaw Pact forces and was later adopted by various allied nations. Despite being phased out in favor of the M1 Abrams, upgraded M60A3s remained operational and effective in several regional conflicts into the 21st century.

NASA's X-43A conducted hypersonic flight tests at its facility, achieving Mach 9.6 in 2004, which set a world record for air-breathing engines. The aircraft, launched from a B-52 Stratofortress, was part of a high-risk, high-reward program aimed at advancing hypersonic technology. Despite its success, early hypersonic weapons face challenges in military applications due to targeting and tracking limitations.

The F-22 Raptor remains the most capable air-to-air fighter in 2026, with fewer than 200 aircraft operational in the U.S. Air Force. Its design prioritizes air dominance, allowing it to outperform rivals like the F-35, J-20, and Su-57. Continuous upgrades and the superior training of American pilots contribute to its unmatched status in air superiority.

The United States delivered the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force on January 24, 2026. This aircraft enhances Australia's capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, supporting multi-domain operations. The delivery is part of a U.S. foreign military sales arrangement, with the aircraft designed to operate at long range and high altitude across the Indo-Pacific region.

The UK Ministry of Defence selected seven defense companies to develop prototype uncrewed aircraft under Project NYX, aimed at supporting Apache helicopters. The drones will enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities while reducing risks to aircrews. The program is part of a broader shift towards integrating autonomous systems in military operations, with initial operational capability expected by 2030.

China has delivered a batch of Type 59 130mm towed artillery systems, confirmed by footage of the weapons being loaded onto a cargo vessel. The shipment is reportedly destined for the Middle East, potentially for the United Arab Emirates, with indications that the artillery may be used by aligned proxy forces. This delivery follows a pattern of undisclosed Chinese arms exports.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing the B-1B Lancer bomber with external pylons to increase its missile carriage capacity and versatility. This upgrade, part of a $50 million funding request for FY 2026, aims to improve the aircraft's performance until the B-21 Raider becomes operational. The enhancements include the ability to carry advanced munitions such as the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon. The B-1B Lancer continues to serve as a key component of U.S. air power.