Analysis & Reports

The Singapore Airshow is currently ongoing at the Changi Exhibition Centre from February 3 to February 8, 2026, featuring over 1,000 defense and aviation organizations. The event showcases various military aircraft, including the US Air Force's MQ-9 Reaper and the Royal Australian Air Force's F-35A Lightning II. Additionally, the Chinese military is represented with a mockup of the Shenyang J-35A fighter.

Saab is developing a Large Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (LUUV) for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to enhance underwater ISR capabilities. The contract was signed in August 2025, with sea trials scheduled for summer 2026. The LUUV will utilize advanced sensors and AI for covert operations and is designed to detect underwater threats.

Canada has begun transferring AIM missiles to Ukraine to enhance its air defense capabilities against Russian aerial threats. This transfer follows a meeting between Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Canadian Minister of National Defence David McGuinty, where they discussed ongoing military support and cooperation. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense emphasized the importance of these missiles in reinforcing their air defense network during sustained attacks.

Singapore is set to receive its first four F-35B fighters by the end of 2026, becoming the fourth Asia-Pacific nation to operate the fifth-generation aircraft. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has a total of 20 F-35s on order, including additional F-35As expected by 2030. This acquisition enhances Singapore's air combat capabilities, positioning it as a leading military power in Southeast Asia.

The Danish Ministry of Defense approved the initial procurement of the Eurosam SAMP/T NG ground-based air defense system and Aster surface-to-air missiles to enhance national air defense capabilities against aerial and ballistic missile threats. This decision follows the Danish Government's announcement in September 2025 and marks a significant milestone for both Denmark and the Eurosam joint venture.

Paramount Group is seeking to enter the Ukrainian armored vehicle market by offering the OWL armored vehicle, a locally adapted version of its Mbombe 4. This vehicle has been specifically modified for the conditions of the ongoing war in Ukraine, achieving STANAG Level 4 mine protection. The adaptation process is being carried out by MAC HUB, which acts as Paramount's in-country partner.

Origin Robotics delivered BLAZE interceptor drones to the armed forces of Latvia, Belgium, and Estonia in February 2026. This marks the first deployment of a domestically produced, fully autonomous drone interception system in Europe. The deliveries, which began in January, are part of a coordinated effort to enhance air defense capabilities amid increasing drone threats in the region.

KONGSBERG signed a contract with Patria to deliver several hundred PROTECTOR Remote Weapon Stations to support the German and Swedish Common Armored Vehicle System (CAVS) 6×6 programmes. Valued at around EUR 140 million, the contract establishes the RS4 as the standard weapon station for the CAVS fleet, with potential follow-on orders extending through 2026.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has rapidly developed a comprehensive unmanned combat network, conducting frequent drone patrols around Taiwan. This network includes advanced UAVs like the Attack-11 and WZ-8, enhancing the PLA's operational capabilities across multiple domains. The shift towards unmanned systems is reshaping military strategies and the balance of power in the Western Pacific.

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Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group announced the mass production and test flights of J-20A fighter jets in early 2026. China aims to produce approximately 1000 J-20 aircraft by 2030, significantly increasing its production capacity. The J-20's production cycle has been reduced to 12-15 months, enhancing its manufacturing efficiency. This expansion is critical for China's air superiority and strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in light of the current geopolitical landscape.

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South Korea is upgrading its air early warning capabilities by introducing the AERIS-X system, which will enhance detection of North Korean missile threats. The Republic of Korea Air Force plans to acquire four AERIS-X aircraft by February 2026, with two already delivered for modification. This system will improve real-time data sharing among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, contributing to a more integrated regional defense network.

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Excalibur Army secured contracts for the delivery of over 100 Patriot armored vehicles in Southeast Asia, valued at over USD 300 million. Deliveries are set to be completed within three years, including various configurations such as mortar carriers and command vehicles. This contract marks the largest export order for the Patriot platform to date, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to customer requirements.

Oshkosh Defense was awarded a $25 million contract by the U.S. Army for the delivery of FMTV A2 Low-Velocity Airdrop (LVAD) 4×4 Cargo vehicles and kits. This follows a prior contract for 97 vehicles, highlighting ongoing demand for tactical mobility solutions. The vehicles are intended to enhance operational reach while minimizing risk to soldiers.

Patria and Pratt & Whitney signed an agreement for the final assembly of F135 fighter jet engines in Linnavuori, Finland, starting February 6, 2026, and continuing until 2030. This initiative will create approximately 50 jobs and supports the Finnish Air Force's acquisition of F-35A fighters, expected to arrive at the Lapland Air Wing base by the end of 2026. Patria will also handle future maintenance and repair of the engines, enhancing Finland's defense capabilities.

On the evening of the 4th, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps showcased the Khorramshahr-4 ballistic missile at an underground facility. This missile, which is now operational, has a range of 2000 kilometers and a warhead weight of 1500 kilograms. The display is part of Iran's shift towards an offensive military posture and serves as a warning to the U.S. and other Western nations about Iran's enhanced missile capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force is advancing the B-21 Raider bomber program, with initial operational capability expected by 2027. The program faces challenges due to the high cost of approximately $700 million per aircraft and a planned fleet of only 100 bombers, which experts argue is insufficient for sustained operations against near-peer rivals like China and Russia. The B-21 is designed to enhance U.S. airpower and deterrence capabilities.

The U.S. purchased 21 MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter planes from Moldova in the 1990s to prevent hostile nations, particularly Iran, from acquiring them. The jets were evaluated at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with many later scrapped. Some reports indicate that these aircraft may have been used to support Ukraine's Air Force during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The U.S. Air Force is evaluating its procurement strategy for B-21 Raider stealth bombers, with analysts recommending a fleet of at least 200 to counter potential threats from China during a Taiwan conflict. Current plans include purchasing at least 100 B-21s and approximately 185 F-47 fighters, but experts warn that these numbers may not provide sufficient capacity for sustained operations against Chinese defenses. The report emphasizes the importance of penetrating capabilities over reliance on stand-off weapons.

The U.S. Department of Defense is reforming acquisition processes for the Golden Dome program to improve affordability and integrate artificial intelligence for missile defense. This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in tracking and intercepting missiles using space-based interceptors and a comprehensive command and control network. The program emphasizes the importance of both DoD and commercial satellite data integration to address emerging threats.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52 Stratofortress to the B-52J model, incorporating new Rolls-Royce engines, modern AESA radar, and updated avionics to extend its operational life into the 2050s. Critics question the efficiency of investing in a 70-year-old airframe, while supporters argue it is a cost-effective way to maintain bomber capacity. The B-52J is designed for standoff warfare, complementing the upcoming B-21 Raider by carrying heavy payloads without penetrating dense air defenses.