Analysis & Reports

Elbit Systems was awarded a USD 228 million contract on 26 January 2026 to supply its Iron Fist active protection system (APS) for upgrading US Army Bradley Fighting Vehicles. This contract follows a previous USD 383.5 million contract issued to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems for the same purpose. The Iron Fist APS enhances the survivability of armored platforms against modern battlefield threats and has been selected by various NATO armies.

The first MC-55A Peregrine surveillance and electronic warfare jet arrived at RAAF Base Edinburgh, Australia, late last week. This aircraft, modified from the Gulfstream G550, is part of a four-aircraft acquisition aimed at enhancing Australia's surveillance capabilities. It will be operated by the RAAF's 10 Squadron and is expected to improve the country's ability to monitor its strategic interests and integrate with allied systems.

President Trump announced the 'Super Raptor' upgrade for the F-22 Raptor during a visit to Doha, Qatar. This upgrade aims to extend the aircraft's service life to 15,000 hours and includes advanced capabilities such as next-generation infrared search-and-track systems and the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile. Additionally, a new 'F-55' concept was introduced as an upgrade to the F-35.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, which is expected to achieve speeds of Mach 2 and a range exceeding 1,000 miles. This aircraft will utilize advanced adaptive-cycle engines from General Electric and Pratt & Whitney, enhancing its operational capabilities. The F-47 aims to replace the F-22 and will feature sophisticated sensor systems and next-generation weaponry, marking a significant advancement in air superiority technology.

Russia is decommissioning its sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, due to prohibitive repair costs and corruption. The carrier, plagued by technical failures, will likely be scrapped or sold, marking the end of Russian carrier aviation for the foreseeable future. The crew has been reassigned to infantry roles in Ukraine, further indicating the decline of the Russian Navy's capabilities.

Soframe was selected by the French Defence Procurement Agency to supply the French Army with 20 heavy recovery vehicles, with initial deliveries scheduled for 2027. The contract includes an option for up to 80 additional units. These vehicles will enhance the French Army's capabilities and are similar to those provided to the Belgian Army, indicating strengthened joint operations between the two nations.

The U.S. Air Force's B-21 Raider program achieved a significant milestone in September 2025 with the addition of a second test aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base. This expansion allows for parallel testing of the bomber's flight envelopes and mission systems, accelerating its path to operational service. The B-21 is designed to replace the aging B-1B and B-2 fleets, featuring advanced stealth capabilities to penetrate modern air defenses.

The U.S. military recently tested swarm drone attack capabilities on domestic soil, where one operator controlled multiple combat drones to strike different targets. This operation highlighted the significant role of artificial intelligence in enabling such coordinated attacks. The successful test suggests potential advantages in asymmetric warfare, although challenges in command control and interference resistance remain.

ST Engineering was awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in December 2025 for the production and supply of next generation Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) in Singapore. The IFVs, based on the Terrex s5 platform, are scheduled for delivery starting in 2028. This contract highlights ST Engineering's capabilities in advanced defense solutions.

Elbit Systems was awarded a $228 million contract by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems to supply the Iron Fist Active Protection System for U.S. Army Bradley IFV upgrades. The contract, announced on January 26, 2026, will be executed over three years and aims to enhance the survivability of armored platforms against modern battlefield threats. Iron Fist APS has been selected by various military forces, including the Israel Defense Forces and NATO armies.

Taiwan conducted its first dive tests of the domestically built Hai Kun submarine in January 2026 at Kaohsiung. This marks a significant step in Taiwan's indigenous submarine program, aimed at strengthening undersea deterrence. The full testing program is expected to conclude by mid-2026, with the submarine's handover to the navy targeted for June 2026, following previous technical setbacks.

Elbit Systems confirmed on January 26 that it received a $228 million contract to supply Iron Fist Active Protection Systems for the U.S. Army's Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle upgrades. This contract expands ongoing deliveries as part of the Army's effort to enhance the survivability of its armored vehicle fleet. The Iron Fist system will be integrated into upgraded Bradley IFVs, providing full-sphere protection against a range of battlefield threats.

Kalashnikov Concern delivered a batch of electric transport vehicles, including Izh-Enduro motorcycles and Izh-ScootWay scooters, to a Russian military unit in 2025. These vehicles are designed for combat zones, capable of carrying cargo and operating in difficult terrain. They feature low-noise characteristics, making them suitable for operations close to the front line.

The U.S. is preparing to deploy 48 F-35A stealth fighters to Misawa Air Base in Japan as part of a modernization plan for tactical aircraft. This deployment will replace 36 older F-16 aircraft, enhancing the U.S. military's deterrence capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. Preparations for the deployment began in December 2023, with personnel from the 35th Fighter Wing receiving support equipment.

French Defense Minister Catherine Colonna observed a demonstration of unmanned surface vessels in Toulon on January 22, 2023. Seven companies showcased their vessels in a competition organized by the French Defense Procurement Agency. The French Navy aims to introduce armed unmanned vessels by early 2027, with the first batch of 1000 AI drones already delivered. Additionally, a new remote-controlled kamikaze drone is being developed in collaboration with European missile manufacturers.

The U.S. and British forces developed heavy tanks with large guns in response to Soviet threats during the Cold War. The Rheinmetall 120 mm smoothbore gun became the NATO standard, influencing global tank armament. Current developments include the MGCS program, which is exploring advanced 130 mm and 140 mm gun systems for future tanks. Soviet advancements in tank armament also shifted the landscape, introducing smoothbore technology.

The U.S. Air Force developed the D-21 reconnaissance drone in the 1960s to conduct high-speed, high-altitude missions over denied territory. Operational attempts targeting China's Lop Nor nuclear test site occurred between 1969 and 1971 but failed to yield usable intelligence. The program was ultimately canceled in 1971 as satellite technology improved, rendering the D-21 obsolete.

The Y-20 transport aircraft, developed by China, successfully completed its maiden flight 13 years ago. It has since been integrated into the People's Liberation Army Air Force, showcasing capabilities in long-range flights and complex weather operations. The aircraft has played roles in disaster relief and the repatriation of remains, symbolizing its importance in military logistics.

The Chinese 24th Peacekeeping Force successfully passed a UN equipment inspection in Lebanon on the 24th, showcasing their operational readiness. The inspection covered over 20 categories of equipment, including vehicles and medical supplies, with all items meeting or exceeding UN standards. A team of 15 UN professionals conducted the thorough evaluation, highlighting the professionalism of the Chinese forces.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams tank, which emphasizes improved survivability and mobility, while the Russian Army continues to upgrade the T-72B3M tank. The M1E3 is designed to integrate advanced protection systems and a new power system, contrasting with the T-72B3M's reliance on legacy designs. Both tanks are equipped with powerful cannons, but the M1E3 benefits from superior fire control systems.