Analysis & Reports

Elbit Systems was awarded contracts valued at approximately $200 million for the supply of airborne ISTAR and training solutions in Asia-Pacific. The contracts include the SPECTRO™ 12 multispectral ISR payload for helicopters and advanced Head-Up Display systems. These contracts will be executed over a period of up to 5 years, enhancing operational readiness and training effectiveness.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) announced a partnership with Spirit Defense on October 23, 2026, to support the production of the FQ-42 Vengeance Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This collaboration aims to enhance manufacturing capacity and resilience for the U.S. Air Force's new uncrewed fighter program, which focuses on next-generation semi-autonomous combat capabilities.

The UK Ministry of Defence has opened a tender for the procurement of Skydio X10D drones for reconnaissance, with a budget of £120,000. The tender was published on October 20, 2023, and bids are due by November 19, 2023. The contract is expected to run from November 30, 2026, to March 31, 2027, and the drones will be delivered to the South-East of England.

Raptor Defense Company is advancing its PIT VIPER unmanned ground vehicle in U.S. Army programs, having been selected for Phase II of GroundBreaker 1 and as a finalist in the G-TEAD USARPAC ACE 27-01 competition. The vehicle, designed for individual soldiers, will be demonstrated in Oahu, Hawaii, focusing on autonomous resupply capabilities. This development aims to enhance logistical support and reduce risks to personnel.

Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh on October 25, 2026, following the interception of two other missiles aimed at Mecca and Medina. Concurrently, Aden International Airport faced missile attacks, with ongoing military operations reported in Taiz. The conflict is intensifying, requiring Saudi Arabia to allocate resources for city defense and protection of critical infrastructure.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Oct 25 2026Loading...

On October 20, the Air Force Research Laboratory launched a Rocket Cargo experiment from Cape Canaveral using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission tested a Starfall reentry capsule carrying cargo pods designed to measure environmental conditions during launch and reentry. This experiment aims to determine the feasibility of using rockets for military logistics, potentially revolutionizing supply delivery to forces in contested environments.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $2.4 billion contract modification to Fluor Marine Propulsion for naval nuclear propulsion work at the Naval Nuclear Laboratory on September 24, 2026. The work will be distributed among main sites in Pittsburgh, Schenectady, and Idaho Falls. This contract supports the development and maintenance of nuclear propulsion systems for U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers.

Lockheed Martin received a $114.6 million order on October 23, 2026, to redesign the GPS electronic unit and NAV100 inertial navigation system for the F-35 Lightning II. This redesign addresses obsolete components to ensure continued production and sustainment of the aircraft. Most work will occur in El Segundo, California, with completion expected by January 2030.

The Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird utilized two Pratt & Whitney J58 engines, which could not be started with standard airport equipment. Instead, ground crews employed specialized carts powered by Buick V8 engines to initiate the engines. This unique starting method was essential for the aircraft's operations, which included flying at speeds of Mach 3.2.

The Space Force awarded six operational contracts worth $1.37 million to firms for civil reserve support in space monitoring in Washington in 2023. This initiative aims to enhance military demand for satellite-derived capabilities, although it faces unresolved legal issues regarding service rights during conflicts. The program is expected to expand to more companies and mission areas.

The U.S. Navy is modernizing its technology acquisition framework and increasing pilot programs for technology systems. During the SAP Public Sector Summit on October 14, 2023, Navy CTO Justin Fanelli highlighted the Navy's successful strategies that other agencies are now adopting. The Navy's Project Dynamis aims to enhance operational capabilities, while Operation Cattle Drive seeks to retire outdated IT systems. The Navy is also collaborating with private sector partners to expand its technology pilots.

On October 13, the U.S. Navy celebrated its 251st anniversary while President Trump announced the opening of a new shipyard in Baltimore to revive America's maritime industry. The U.S. currently ranks 14th in global shipbuilding and operates only 190 flagged ships. Efforts include the $3 billion Port Alpha project and partnerships with allies to enhance shipbuilding capacity and reduce reliance on China. The FLEETS Now Act aims to establish a maritime coalition to support these initiatives.

HD Hyundai and Kiewit Maritime Co. announced plans to establish a new shipyard in the United States, aiming to produce US Navy auxiliary and commercial vessels. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with full operations expected by 2029, creating approximately 3,000 full-time jobs. This joint venture is part of South Korea's broader investment strategy in US projects, including significant funding for shipbuilding.

The U.S. Air Force is implementing AI technology to enhance aerial refueling operations. The AI system will analyze refueling events and provide feedback to improve crew performance. The KC-46 tanker will utilize a remote vision system for this purpose, with applications due by November 25. This initiative aims to reduce human error and enhance mission readiness.

The Military Spouse Commission proposed cutting or eliminating tolls for service members commuting to MacDill Air Force Base in Florida. Troops at the base currently benefit from a 50% reduction in toll fees, saving them $1,500 annually. The commission aims to use this as a template for similar initiatives at other military bases across the U.S. The Pentagon has not commented on the proposal's potential expansion.

Red Cat Holdings’ Blue Ops opened orders for two new uncrewed surface vessels, the B-18 and B-39, on October 22, 2026, in Valdosta, Georgia. The B-18 is designed for reconnaissance and one-way attack missions, while the B-39 is intended for longer missions with enhanced capabilities. The B-26 is already in full-rate production, and Red Cat plans to produce over 100 USVs in 2026.

L3Harris Technologies is enhancing power systems for U.S. Navy submarines to accommodate advanced technologies like directed energy weapons. The company is involved in the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program, which will replace the Ohio-class submarines. L3Harris has received a contract worth up to $129.9 million for modular mast production and is investing in power technologies to meet the growing demands of the Navy's advanced platforms.

The U.S. Navy is procuring an additional AN/SPN-50 shipboard air traffic control radar from Saab under a $14.3 million contract. The radar will be produced at Saab's facility in East Syracuse, New York, and is scheduled for completion by June 2028. This acquisition is part of the Navy's plan to replace older radar systems and enhance air traffic control capabilities around aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships.

The U.S. Air Force expanded the life cycle support contract for the GBU-53/B StormBreaker to $950 million, extending work at Raytheon's Tucson plant through December 31, 2030. This modification allows for increased orders of the precision-guided bomb, which is operational on the F-15E and F/A-18E/F, with ongoing integration on the F-35. The StormBreaker is designed to engage moving targets in challenging conditions and has international customers.

The U.S. Army awarded Longbow LLC a $419.6 million contract for fire control radar systems and support for the AH-64 Apache helicopter, announced on October 22, 2026. This contract, which runs through January 31, 2032, includes logistics management and support for both U.S. and international Apache fleets. Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has previously supplied radar systems to various foreign militaries.