Analysis & Reports

Raytheon announced a significant increase in missile production, including over 1,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles and 1,900 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, following agreements with the Pentagon. Manufacturing will take place in Huntsville, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; and Andover, Massachusetts. This decision comes after pressure from President Trump for faster military equipment production and a commitment to enhance U.S. military capabilities.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, featuring advanced systems and a pre-prototype expected in 2026. Concurrently, South Korea is advancing the K3 tank project, which aims to incorporate innovative technologies and replace the K2 Black Panther. Both tanks are in conceptual stages, with the M1E3 having a physical pre-prototype, while the K3 remains in design.

Russia restarted production of the Tu-160M bombers at the Kazan Aviation Plant in 2023, promising four new units to the Russian Aerospace Forces, though only two have been delivered. These bombers are capable of launching missiles from standoff ranges, significantly enhancing Russia's long-range strike capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The Tu-160M serves as a critical component of Russia's military strategy, especially in light of delays with the PAK DA stealth bomber program.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a live warhead test of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM) at Eglin Air Force Base on January 21. This new standoff cruise missile, developed in under 18 months, aims to enhance precision strike capabilities against high-value targets. The test successfully met all objectives, and the U.S. has authorized the sale of ERAMs to Ukraine to strengthen its military arsenal.

The T-14 Armata tank has been withdrawn from combat in Ukraine due to its high cost and the changing nature of warfare, where cheaper and simpler tanks like the T-72 are favored. The Russian Army acknowledges that the T-14's complex design is not suited for the attrition-heavy conflict, leading to a strategic shift towards mass production of more rugged and replaceable equipment. This reflects a broader trend in military operations where traditional main battle tanks are relegated to support roles.

The U.S. Army debuted the M1E3 Abrams prototype in Detroit on January 17, 2026, showcasing its advanced features such as a hybrid diesel-electric engine and Trophy Active Protection System. This new tank is designed to be lighter, faster, and more maneuverable, addressing challenges faced in modern warfare. Additionally, Australia is donating 49 outdated M1A1 tanks to Ukraine as part of a broader arms package.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the B-52 Stratofortress, enhancing its capabilities with hypersonic weapons and advanced radar systems. This ongoing effort aims to transform the B-52 into a digital arsenal plane, capable of real-time data sharing and drone operations. Recent upgrades include the APQ-188 AESA radar and Combat Network Communication Technology (CONECT), allowing for improved mission effectiveness and operational flexibility.

The U.S. Navy announced that the Marine Corps AH-1Z Viper helicopters will be equipped with long-range precision-guided missiles by 2027. An $86.2 million contract was awarded to L3Harris Technologies for the production of the Red Wolf missile systems, which will enhance the helicopters' strike capabilities against maritime targets from long distances. The missiles are expected to be delivered by the end of fiscal 2027.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading 44 B-1B Lancer bombers to increase their missile capacity from 24 to 36 missiles by integrating new Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons. This upgrade aims to enhance the bombers' capabilities and maintain strategic deterrence until the B-21 Raider is fully operational, ensuring the B-1B remains relevant through the 2030s.

The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated the Drone Dominance Programme for the first time, selecting 25 vendors to participate. This program aims to enhance the U.S. military's capabilities in drone technology.

South Korea is upgrading its F-15K Slam Eagle fleet to the F-15EX Eagle II, enhancing its capabilities with hypersonic missile capability and advanced radar systems. This upgrade aims to provide critical combat mass in conjunction with 5th-generation stealth fighters. The F-15EX is designed to operate effectively against advanced threats, despite concerns regarding its lack of stealth compared to 5th-generation aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force is engaged in a debate over the production and cost of the F-47 stealth fighter, which is priced at approximately $300 million per unit. With plans for a production run of 186-200 aircraft, concerns have been raised about the sustainability and readiness of such a small fleet. The F-47 is intended to serve as a command node for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, enhancing combat capabilities. Discussions about potential exports to allies are also underway.

Airbus and Singapore completed the certification of the Automatic Air to Air Refueling (A3R) capability for the Airbus A330 MRTT, marking a significant advancement in air-to-air refueling technology. The certification was granted by the Spanish National Institute for Aerospace Technology following extensive testing. The Republic of Singapore Air Force will benefit from this new capability, which is also attracting interest from other nations, including Canada and Thailand.

Airbus and Singapore completed the certification of the Automatic Air to Air Refueling (A3R) capability for the A330 MRTT, marking a significant milestone in military logistics. The certification was granted by INTA after extensive testing in Singapore and Spain. The A3R system is designed to enhance the Republic of Singapore Air Force's mission effectiveness and has attracted international interest, particularly from Canada. Thailand has also ordered the improved MRTT+ variant, with delivery scheduled for 2029.

The K2 Black Panther is currently operational with the South Korean Army and Poland, showcasing advanced features and capabilities. The U.S. Army's M1E3 Abrams is in early development, aiming to enhance protection and modularity. Both tanks are equipped with 120 mm cannons, but the K2 is noted for its agility and existing deployment, while the M1E3 is still refining its design for future capabilities.

RTX has signed agreements with the Pentagon to significantly increase the production of various munitions, including over 1,000 Tomahawk missiles and at least 1,900 AMRAAM missiles annually. The agreements, announced in Washington, D.C., will span up to seven years and involve substantial investments in production facilities. This move reflects a positive shift in the relationship between RTX and the Pentagon, following previous criticisms from the Trump administration.

The U.S. Air Force is upgrading the B-52H Stratofortress to the B-52J to modernize its fleet and ensure long-range strike capabilities. This upgrade includes new engines, radar, and enhanced weapons capacity, allowing the B-52J to carry advanced hypersonic and standoff missiles. The B-21 Raider will complement the B-52J by handling penetration missions, while the B-52J will focus on massed standoff fires. The modernization program is currently over budget and delayed by three years.

ST Engineering showcased the Titan 8x8 infantry fighting vehicle at the Singapore Airshow 2026, following a contract with the Singapore Army announced on January 26. The Titan, based on the Terrex s5, is set to enhance the army's capabilities with advanced firepower and digital systems, with deliveries expected to start in 2028.

China's J-35 stealth fighter is in low-rate initial production and undergoing testing aboard the Type 003 Fujian aircraft carrier. The J-35, designed for carrier operations, features a twin-engine configuration and aims to enhance China's naval aviation capabilities. It is expected to operate alongside the J-20 in a dual-stealth fighter strategy, marking a significant advancement in China's military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

China is testing a new variant of the J-20A fighter aircraft, featuring a redesigned rear canopy and the WS-15 engine, enhancing its capabilities. Recent tests focused on manned-unmanned collaboration and air-ground coordination. Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group aims to have approximately 1,000 J-20A airframes operational by 2030, positioning the aircraft as a key combat and command node.