Analysis & Reports

In 2009, a U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler achieved a simulated kill against a U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor during an exercise at Nellis Air Force Base. The Growler utilized electronic warfare tactics and maneuvered into the F-22's blind spots to lock on with an AIM-120 AMRAAM. This incident raised questions about the effectiveness of fifth-generation stealth fighters in constrained scenarios.

China's H-20 stealth bomber program remains stagnant, with no confirmed test flights or operational deployments as of 2026. The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is attempting to leapfrog decades of U.S. experience in stealth technology, but the lack of combat experience since 1979 hampers its progress. The U.S. continues to lead in stealth capabilities with its B-2 Spirit and upcoming B-21 Raider.

North Korea conducted a test launch of a tactical ballistic missile on October 12, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency. The launch was executed by the North Korean Missile Bureau in Pyongyang.

Houthi forces launched a ballistic missile at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and conducted a drone attack on a military base in Khamis Mushait on October 12. The Houthi spokesperson warned international airlines and travelers against using Saudi airports, declaring them unsafe except for those in Mecca and Medina. The Saudi-led coalition is responding with large-scale military operations to counter Houthi capabilities.

The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by Houthi forces towards Riyadh on October 12. Residents reported hearing explosions, and air defense alerts were issued via mobile applications.

The U.S. Army unveiled the XM1776 howitzer prototype in Washington, D.C., which can fire up to 37 miles and has a crew of three. This new artillery piece, developed by Hanwha Defense USA, offers greater mobility and firepower than the M777 howitzer. The Army aims to enhance its long-range precision fire capabilities with this new system, which is part of a broader modernization effort.

Twenty-Six Defense unveiled Primex, a new soldier-worn technology, at the AUSA expo in Texas. This lightweight wearable provides soldiers with night-vision capabilities and augmented reality features to enhance situational awareness. The company also showcased additional military equipment, including the XM1168 mobile 120mm mortar system and the SkyStriker Block 4E.

International defense firms showcased a variety of military vehicles at the AUSA conference in Washington on October 12, 2026. The event featured drones, counter-drone technology, and new weapon systems, including Sierra Nevada's Brawlr air-defense system and Oshkosh's electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. Colt Optics also displayed assault rifles with specialized optics.

Italy is testing MBDA armaments for the Astore Levante drone in Rome. The Italian air force plans to acquire six of these drones, which will be equipped with Leonardo sensors and Turkish armaments. The Astore Levante is expected to replace the Predator MQ1 and is set for certification by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

The U.S. Army introduced the Mojave STOL and Gray Eagle 25M aircraft, designed for modern battlefield operations. Mojave STOL enables operations from austere locations, while Gray Eagle 25M offers long-endurance capabilities in contested environments. Both aircraft support the Army's multi-domain operations and are built for adaptability to evolving threats. A demonstration of Mojave STOL occurred in South Korea on September 16, 2026.

The U.S. Army inducted ten warrant officers as 390A robotics technicians at the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School this month. These specialists will focus on programming, building, and integrating robotic systems into combat operations. They will complete a 19-week course to develop expertise in drone technology, including building drones that utilize artificial intelligence for navigation. This initiative aims to enhance the Army's capabilities in autonomous warfare.

Lockheed Martin unveiled the PAC-3 Edge missile interceptor in Washington, D.C., designed for enhanced agility against missile threats. The new system features a multi-pulse motor and is compatible with current missile defense networks. Testing is set to begin in 2027, with deployment targeted for 2031, although Lockheed aims to expedite this timeline.

Sikorsky introduced a containerized kit that packs four Nomad 100 drones along with necessary equipment into a single shipping container in Washington on Monday. The system allows for rapid deployment and repositioning of the drones, with two being mission-ready in under 15 minutes. It is designed for various missions, including intelligence and light attack, and can launch from sites without a runway.

CHAOS Industries unveiled the VESPID interceptor system in El Segundo, California, designed for military applications. The system includes two variants: the Mk 0, which is man-portable, and the Mk 1, which is faster and more maneuverable. Production plans include a capacity of 12,000 interceptors per year, expandable to 50,000. The Mk 1 can integrate with Coyote launchers, crucial for the Army's Next Generation C-sUAS Missile program.

The U.S. Navy canceled the construction of the USS Illinois (BB-65) at 20-25% completion on August 12, 1945, and the ship was subsequently scrapped in 1958. The battleship was laid down on December 6, 1942, and featured nine 16-inch Mark 7 guns. A bell from the ship is preserved at the University of Illinois, where it rings for touchdowns.

Ukraine is securing Patriot interceptors and developing a patchwork antiballistic defense against Russian missile strikes. The country has requested 300 interceptors from allies and is ramping up production of its own systems. Recently, Russia launched 70 missiles, resulting in 32 civilian deaths and over 100 injuries. Germany and Britain are providing military aid, including air defense systems, to support Ukraine's efforts.

The U.S. Army is adapting to modern warfare challenges, focusing on increasing demand for munitions due to conflicts in Iran and Ukraine. The Army emphasizes counter-drone systems and long-range precision fires while streamlining its acquisition process to enhance responsiveness. AI integration and domestic manufacturing are also key components of this adaptation.

Acting Army Secretary Adam Telle promoted a new drone marketplace for military procurement during a speech in Washington, D.C., in September 2023. The marketplace has generated $800 million in sales in four months, allowing soldiers to purchase drones quickly and efficiently. Telle highlighted its importance for soldiers deployed at the U.S.-Mexico border, where cartels are increasingly using drones. He also announced plans for a 'manufacturing rodeo' to test the defense supply chain.

India sold Akash surface-to-air missile systems to Tajikistan and Turkmenistan earlier this month, aiming to expand its defense exports and reduce these countries' reliance on Russian military supplies. The Akash system, capable of engaging multiple targets at ranges up to 25km, is part of India's strategy to diversify defense partnerships in Central Asia amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

A shell exploded inside a Type 10 main battle tank at the Hijudai Training Area in Japan on April 21, 2023, killing three soldiers and injuring one. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has suspended all training with the Type 10 tank pending an investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Defense is considering omitting the Type 10 from its fiscal 2027 budget request based on the investigation's findings.