Analysis & Reports

ST Engineering unveiled the Terrex s5 HED armored vehicle at the Singapore Airshow, capable of generating 400 kWh of electrical power to support various systems. The vehicle can carry 10 fully equipped troops and 2 crew members, weighing 35 tons. It features a remote control weapon station with a 30mm cannon optimized for counter-UAS operations. The Singapore Army will receive the Titan variant starting in 2028, equipped with advanced digital systems.

France delivered 1,000 infantry reconnaissance drones to the Armée de Terre as part of a rapid acquisition program. The drones, known as "drone du combattant," are equipped with optronic observation sensors and are intended to enhance situational awareness for infantry units. This delivery follows an order placed on June 30, 2025, and supports small-unit operations during Exercise ORION 2026 and beyond.

Overland AI raised $100 million to enhance the production of its ULTRA unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for the U.S. military, transitioning from experimental use to operational integration. The UGVs are designed for autonomous operations in challenging environments and have already supported missions with the 82nd Airborne Division. The funding will facilitate expanded manufacturing and field support as the technology is adopted by various military units.

Leonardo signed a Letter of Intent with the Indonesian Ministry of Defence to supply M-346F light fighters for the Indonesian Air Force. This agreement aims to modernize Indonesia's aircraft fleet by replacing older platforms and includes provisions for local support and training. The M-346F will serve dual roles in advanced pilot training and light combat, enhancing operational capabilities.

Chinese defense exports are under scrutiny as multiple countries report reliability failures and inadequate after-sales support for various military systems. Thailand's Type 69-II tanks were retired by 2004 due to unreliability, while Myanmar grounded its JF-17 fighter jets in late 2022 over structural issues. Jordan expressed dissatisfaction with its CH-4B UAVs, and Pakistan's F-22P frigates faced persistent operational problems. These issues raise concerns about the operational effectiveness of Chinese military equipment in active conflicts.

Ukraine is discussing the acquisition of JAS 39 Gripen jets and Meteor missiles from Sweden to enhance its air combat capabilities. These discussions were confirmed by Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Saab officials at the Singapore Airshow. The Meteor missile, known for its long range and advanced technology, would significantly improve Ukraine's operational effectiveness against Russian aircraft. A letter of intent for the export of up to 150 Gripen jets was signed last year, although no final deal has been concluded.

Hanwha Aerospace signed a $922 million agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to supply the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) to Norway's armed forces. This deal aims to enhance Norway's military capabilities with advanced artillery systems.

ST Engineering showcased the Axios delivery kit at the Singapore Airshow 2026, a modular, drone-agnostic solution for last-mile operations. This system can be integrated with various unmanned platforms and is designed for urban environments, emphasizing precision and responsiveness. It supports multiple payload types, including logistics and medical supplies, and is part of a broader C5ISR architecture.

Germany showcased the Leopard 2A8 main battle tank at the Singapore Airshow in 2026, emphasizing its advanced digital architecture and protective features. The tank, weighing around 68 tonnes, is equipped with a 120 mm Rheinmetall L55A1 smoothbore gun and an active protection system, making it suitable for high-intensity conflicts. Its design aims to enhance survivability and operational effectiveness in modern warfare.

The F-15EX Eagle II is being deployed by the U.S. Air Force and Oregon Air National Guard for various military operations, including air policing and ground strikes. It features 23-25 weapons stations and a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, making it a versatile strike fighter. The aircraft is stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida and will also be permanently based at Kadena Air Base in Japan, enhancing U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered 34 Aliaca vertical take-off and landing systems from Airbus Helicopters for the French Navy, with deliveries starting in May 2026. This new version enhances operational flexibility and is designed for various missions, including surveillance and search and rescue. The Aliaca VTOL has been tested on land and at sea, demonstrating its capabilities.

Countries like Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia continue to upgrade and maintain M60 Patton tanks, which have been modernized with 120mm smoothbore guns and advanced fire control systems. Spain announced plans to sell 260-300 M60s in 2024, while Iran has significantly modified its M60s for enhanced combat capabilities. The M60 remains a viable military asset due to its affordability and reliability.

Viasat, Inc. launched a new satellite service portfolio in London on February 2, 2026, aimed at enhancing government UAV operations. The portfolio includes various connectivity services designed to support intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and defense missions. Additionally, Viasat introduced lightweight terminals for UAVs to ensure reliable communications in challenging environments.

The U.S. Air Force proposed the FB-22 as a stealthy strike platform to enhance its capabilities during the early 2000s. The design aimed to modify the F-22 Raptor for ground attack roles, but the project was ultimately sidelined due to changing military priorities and budget limitations. The FB-22 was envisioned to supplement existing bombers and replace some functions of the F-15E Strike Eagle.

ST Engineering unveiled the EagleStrike, a new loitering munition, at the Singapore Airshow in 2026. This precision-strike weapon is designed for ground forces to engage high-value targets beyond line of sight. It features vehicle-launch capabilities, a dual-mode warhead, and advanced sensors for accurate targeting.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems showcased the L‑Spike 1X loitering munition at the Singapore Airshow in 2026. This new weapon system is designed for company-level operations, offering both ISR and precision strike capabilities. It features a compact design for portability and operates using advanced navigation technology without GPS. The L‑Spike 1X aims to provide tactical advantages in urban and dense environments, enhancing the effectiveness of ground forces.

The U.S. Army is developing the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to utilize autonomous drones and ground robots for cleaning chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower needs. Additionally, the Army is upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information for the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The U.S. Army is developing autonomous drones and ground robots as part of the Autonomous Decontamination System (ADS) to clean up chemical and biological weapons. This initiative aims to enhance decontamination capabilities while reducing manpower and resource strain. The Army is also upgrading the CBRN version of the Stryker armored vehicle to include onboard drones for contaminant scouting. A Request for Information regarding the ADS is due by February 20, 2025.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of the Drone Dominance Program. The evaluation phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order 30,000 drones at $5,000 each. The program aims to enhance U.S. military drone capabilities by 2027, with a total budget of $1.1 billion across four phases.

The Pentagon announced 25 companies competing to provide low-cost one-way attack drones as part of its Drone Dominance Program. Evaluation for the first phase will begin on February 18, 2025, at Fort Benning, Georgia, with plans to order approximately $150 million in prototype drones. The program aims to rapidly acquire hundreds of thousands of drones by 2027, emphasizing the need for inexpensive combat capabilities.