Analysis & Reports

Allison Transmission announced it will supply 3,000 fully automatic transmissions for EAGLE V armored vehicles to General Dynamics European Land Systems for the German Armed Forces. The contract includes an option for 2,000 additional vehicles and covers both command and control and ambulance variants. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027, reinforcing Allison's role in defense vehicle propulsion.

BAE Systems and NMITE launched a new MSc programme in Radio Frequency and Wireless Systems Engineering in the UK to address a critical shortage of engineering skills. This partnership combines academic study with practical industry experience, preparing graduates for careers in defense, aerospace, and national security. BAE Systems will support the programme through investment and engagement with practicing engineers.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced the Ground-Based Affordable Mass (G-BAM) challenge in Washington, aiming to develop long-range precision strike systems. The Pentagon plans to invest $250 million to evaluate options and make early follow-on deals, with a focus on systems capable of striking targets over 600 nautical miles. Interested companies are invited to submit proposals, with potential funding for flight demonstrations scheduled for early November.

The National Guard Bureau signed a $292 million contract to provide 2,000 apartment-style units for 4,755 mobilized Guardsmen in Washington, D.C. This long-term housing solution aims to enhance troop readiness and quality of life, with the contract set to last until June 2027. The initiative is the largest interagency lodging acquisition in National Guard history, addressing the need for stable living conditions for the troops.

Lockheed Martin reported $1.8 billion in net earnings for the second quarter of 2026, driven by a $35.3 billion contract with the Missile Defense Agency for THAAD interceptor production. The company’s sales rose to $20.1 billion, with a record backlog of $230 billion. Additionally, Lockheed's Sanctum counter-drone system successfully completed its first live-fire test, showcasing rapid development capabilities.

Roshel is competing for a nearly $5 billion contract to supply 1,600 to 2,100 armored and unarmored vehicles to the Canadian military. The company, based in Brampton, has supplied over 2,500 vehicles to Ukraine and emphasizes its ability to quickly reconfigure its vehicles for various missions. Despite its success abroad, Roshel has yet to secure a contract with the Canadian government, which is shifting its procurement strategy to favor domestic suppliers.

The Pentagon is increasing funding for munitions in its fiscal 2027 budget, focusing on integrating new energetic materials like CL-20 to enhance performance and reduce costs. This shift aims to modernize U.S. military capabilities, as many current munitions rely on outdated explosives. Pilot programs for CL-20 integration have been mandated, highlighting the importance of improved energetics in future military operations.

On July 18, 2026, a joint convoy of Malian Armed Forces and Africa Corps was ambushed near Anefis, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 Malian soldiers. The attack was claimed by the Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLA) and the Group for Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), indicating a tactical alliance against Malian and Russian forces. This incident underscores the logistical challenges faced by the Malian military in maintaining supply routes and security.

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The shortage of military air traffic controllers is negatively impacting safety and mission readiness at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. The U.S. Air Force has reported limiting airfield hours and reducing pilot training due to a lack of personnel. This issue is exacerbated by civilian controllers leaving for higher-paying jobs, with military pay lagging significantly behind the Federal Aviation Administration. The Department of Defense's ability to meet homeland defense goals is also being hindered by these shortages.

Rheinmetall held a foundation-laying ceremony for a new powder plant in Aschau am Inn on July 22, 2023, as part of its 'Firepower' project. The investment of €350 million will significantly increase ammunition production capacity, with the workforce expected to grow to 1,400 employees. The new facilities aim to produce 4,200 metric tons of powder annually by 2028, enhancing Germany's defense capabilities and supply chain resilience.

The U.S. military is facing challenges in maintaining its stock of advanced weaponry due to rapid consumption in operations against Iran. As of July 2023, over 1000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and over 1100 Joint Standoff Weapons have been used, leading to concerns about the depletion of Patriot and THAAD missile stocks. The U.S. is reallocating interceptors from other regions to support its military actions in the Persian Gulf, particularly in Kuwait and Bahrain, amid ongoing threats from Iranian drones and missiles.

The JNIM is transforming gold mining areas in the Sahel into conflict zones, exerting control through taxation and threats. Key locations include Inata, Boungou, and Gao, with significant incidents occurring within a 10 km radius of mining sites. Governments are responding by nationalizing sites and renegotiating contracts, while the JNIM continues to adapt its tactics to maintain influence over these economically vital areas.

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Orqa announced plans to expand its drone manufacturing capacity in Osijek, Croatia, from 290,000 to 500,000 units by the end of 2026. This initiative is part of the EU-Ukraine Drone Alliance, aimed at enhancing European defense capabilities. The company emphasizes a supply chain free from Chinese components, reflecting operational lessons from Ukraine's conflict. A partnership with General Cherry will also establish manufacturing capacity in Ukraine.

BLADE has been selected as one of five industry partners for the U.S. Army’s Project Sustainment initiative, aimed at automating logistics in contested environments. The Dire WOLF, a robotic vehicle designed for cargo transport, features advanced capabilities such as non-pneumatic tires to enhance survivability. This initiative reflects the Army's focus on modernizing supply chains for large-scale combat scenarios.

Fincantieri signed a contract amendment with OCCAR to enhance the U212 NFS program, introducing new technologies and accelerating the delivery of the fourth submarine to 2032. This agreement, valued at approximately 317 million euros, includes the integration of advanced countermeasure systems and aims to ensure long-term operational efficiency for the Italian Navy. Deliveries of the submarines are set to begin in 2029, with one new submarine expected each year until 2032.

The Korean Hanwha Group delivered 218 K9PL self-propelled howitzers to the Polish Armed Forces in July 2023. This includes 212 units from a 2022 contract and 6 from a 2023 agreement. The K9PL features a 155mm main gun with a range of about 40 kilometers and is part of Poland's military modernization strategy, which includes plans for additional artillery systems.

Rheinmetall is constructing a new powder plant in Aschau am Inn, Germany, with production set to begin gradually from 2027. The project, involving an investment of €500 million, aims to significantly expand the production capacity for propellant components, creating 500 new jobs and increasing the workforce to 1,400. The facility will enhance Germany's strategic autonomy in ammunition production, with maximum capacity expected by 2028.

A joint search and rescue operation was launched by Air Force rescue units in response to simulated drowning incidents at sea. Helicopters and landing craft coordinated efforts to locate and retrieve multiple individuals from the water. Medical transport aircraft awaited the return of the rescue teams to provide immediate care. The operation was executed efficiently, with no delays in the transfer of rescued individuals to medical facilities.

The U.S. Armed Forces are surging military resources, including 5,000 personnel and various equipment, to the Middle East to enhance operations against Iranian military targets. Special operations forces are being deployed from U.S. bases, and airstrikes have increased under the direction of U.S. Central Command. The ongoing military operations have incurred costs of $37 billion, prompting additional funding requests from Congress.

The Pentagon is collaborating with companies to address compliance with a new executive order on critical minerals, which mandates the cessation of sourcing from specific countries by January 1, 2027. Concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of domestic sourcing and potential national security risks. Industry experts emphasize the need for government-industry partnerships to navigate these challenges effectively.