Analysis & Reports

The French Navy will receive 34 Aliaca VTOL uncrewed aerial systems following an order from the Directorate General of Armament on February 3, 2026. Deliveries are set to begin in May 2026 after successful testing in 2024 and 2025. The new VTOL configuration enhances operational flexibility for maritime surveillance and situational awareness missions.

The Philippine Air Force confirmed an order for six additional A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, increasing its fleet to 12. This acquisition aims to enhance capabilities for close air support, surveillance, and counterinsurgency operations. The A-29 is designed for operations in complex internal security environments and can operate from short runways, making it suitable for various missions in the Philippines.

Uzbekistan has confirmed an order for C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft from Embraer as of February 3, 2026. This marks Uzbekistan as the first Central Asian nation to operate this aircraft, which will enhance its military transport and humanitarian capabilities. The C-390 is designed for various missions, including cargo transport and medical evacuation, and will play a key role in modernizing Uzbekistan's airlift capabilities.

Embraer announced the completion of final assembly for the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026. The aircraft will proceed to production flight activities before final delivery. This milestone marks South Korea as the first Asian operator of the C-390, which is designed for various military missions and is compatible with NATO standards.

Leonardo unveiled the Hystrix family of land-based counter-UAS systems at its Brescia facility in late January. These systems utilize naval artillery calibers of 76 mm, 40 mm, and 30 mm, and are intended for the Michelangelo Dome defense system. Various configurations, including static, relocatable, and mobile, are being developed to enhance air defense capabilities.

Leonardo unveiled the Michelangelo Dome modular defense system in Brescia, Italy, in January 2026, introducing the Hystrix 30 ADS for air defense. The company is developing the Blaze RCWS for light vehicles and showcased the Lionfish 30 at MSPO 2025. Testing of new munitions and systems is planned for mid-2026 to enhance air defense capabilities.

The U.S. Army unveiled the M1E3 Abrams tank prototype at the Detroit Auto Show in February 2024. This new tank, based on operational experience from Ukraine, aims to reduce weight and enhance protection against modern threats. The Army plans to test the first units by 2032, with 31 M1A1SA tanks already deployed to Ukraine for operational assessment.

The French Directorate General of Armament has ordered 34 new 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 will be used for various missions, including search and rescue. The Aliaca VTOL has been tested and is expected to improve the Navy's capabilities significantly.

Embraer announced that the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force reached the final assembly stage in Singapore on February 3, 2026. The aircraft will undergo production flights and system integration to meet ROKAF requirements. This aircraft enhances ROKAF's capabilities with advanced multi-mission functions and is designed for interoperability within NATO.

Senop has been awarded a contract by the French Armament General Directorate for its advanced fire control system, the Senop AFCD TI. The contract, resulting from years of collaboration, will commence in 2026 and includes training and maintenance support for the French Armed Forces. The AFCD TI is a next-generation fire control solution that enhances combat effectiveness.

Embraer announced that the Republic of Uzbekistan has ordered the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026. This acquisition will enhance the capabilities of the Uzbekistan Air Force for transport and humanitarian missions, marking Uzbekistan as the first Central Asian nation to operate this advanced military transport aircraft.

Milrem Robotics and EOS Defence Systems signed a teaming agreement on February 02, 2026, to enhance unmanned ground systems and collaborative combat robotics. The partnership aims to explore new business opportunities in defense technology across various regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Key focuses include the integration of advanced weapon systems and counter-UAS solutions.

The Republic of Uzbekistan has been revealed as the first Central Asian nation to operate the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, primarily for transport and humanitarian missions. This acquisition significantly enhances the capabilities of the Uzbekistan Air Force. The announcement was made by Embraer at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026, highlighting the aircraft's advanced features and versatility.

ST Engineering presented the AME-A514 Assault Rifle at the Singapore Airshow 2026, highlighting its design as a modular platform for infantry use. The rifle features a 5.56 × 45 mm NATO caliber, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with standard magazines. It aims to replace older rifles and is optimized for both urban and tropical combat environments, showcasing advanced ergonomics and potential for future upgrades.

ST Engineering unveiled the AME-A514 Assault Rifle at the Singapore Airshow 2026, designed to replace older infantry weapons. This 5.56 × 45 mm NATO rifle features advanced ergonomics and materials, ensuring reliability in tropical and urban combat. It is compatible with standard ammunition and logistics, making it a modern solution for infantry needs.

On December 30, 2025, the Belgian Ministry of Defence ordered 92 Griffon and 123 Serval vehicles from KNDS France, marking the first Serval order for Belgium. Luxembourg will also acquire 38 Jaguar and 16 Griffon vehicles through this order, enhancing their military capabilities and interoperability with NATO. The vehicles will be assembled in Belgium, contributing to European military strength.

The U.S. Navy reflects on the capabilities of the retired F-14D Tomcat fighter, noting its superior range and missile capabilities compared to current aircraft like the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and F-35C Lightning II. The F-14's AIM-54 Phoenix missile could engage targets at 100 nautical miles, a significant advantage. The Navy faces challenges as the Super Hornet is set for retirement, with a sixth-generation successor still uncertain.

The S-500 missile system, developed by Russia, is claimed to have capabilities to detect and engage advanced stealth aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35. However, reports indicate that its operational performance has been underwhelming, with failures to intercept missiles during its deployment in Crimea. The system's production has faced delays, and it has not yet been sold to major potential buyers like China or Iran.

The U.S. Army introduced the M1E3 Abrams tank at the Detroit Auto Show, showcasing its significant redesign focused on survivability and modern warfare capabilities. The tank integrates advanced technology and is intended to operate within a combined-arms system, reflecting lessons learned from the Russo-Ukraine War. While some question the future of tanks, the M1E3 acknowledges their continued relevance in modern combat scenarios.

China and Russia are struggling with the development of their next-generation stealth bombers, the H-20 and PAK DA, respectively. Both programs face technical challenges, including engine and avionics issues, and political obstacles related to collaboration. The PAK DA is not yet operational, and resource constraints in Russia are impacting its development.