Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy is planning the construction of Trump-class battleships, projected to cost between $18 and $22 billion each, making them the most expensive naval platforms ever. These battleships are designed to counter China's growing naval fleet and will incorporate advanced technologies such as lasers and hypersonics. The Navy aims to build 10 or more of these ships to reduce costs through economies of scale.

The U.S. Navy is constructing the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, which are 60% complete and scheduled for delivery in 2030. This $348 billion program aims to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet with 12 new submarines featuring advanced technologies such as an electric drive propulsion system and a life-of-core nuclear reactor. These innovations enhance stealth and operational capabilities, ensuring strategic deterrence against potential adversaries.

The U.S. Navy's SSN(X) submarine program has faced significant delays, with procurement now expected in the early 2040s instead of the mid-2030s. The FY 2026 budget includes $222.8 million for research and development, but Congress has not yet committed to the program. Meanwhile, China's submarine production outpaces that of the U.S., raising concerns about undersea superiority.

The M103 heavy tank, developed by the U.S. Army in response to Soviet armor, weighed 65 tons and featured a 120mm M58 rifled gun. It was intended for use in Europe against Soviet heavy tanks but was retired in 1974 due to technological advancements that made heavy tanks obsolete. The U.S. Army withdrew the M103 from service by 1963, while the Marine Corps continued to use it until the early 1970s.

China asserted the superiority of its 6th-generation fighters, the J-36 and J-50, over the U.S. F-47 during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Analysts noted that China has been actively developing these aircraft since December 2024, while the F-47 faces significant technological challenges. Concerns were raised about the F-47's design, particularly regarding its stealth capabilities compared to Chinese models.

The M60A3 tank modernization program enhanced the U.S. Army's armored capabilities during the Cold War, featuring improved fire control and accuracy. It served primarily in Europe against Warsaw Pact forces and was later adopted by various allied nations. Despite being phased out in favor of the M1 Abrams, upgraded M60A3s remained operational and effective in several regional conflicts into the 21st century.

NASA's X-43A conducted hypersonic flight tests at its facility, achieving Mach 9.6 in 2004, which set a world record for air-breathing engines. The aircraft, launched from a B-52 Stratofortress, was part of a high-risk, high-reward program aimed at advancing hypersonic technology. Despite its success, early hypersonic weapons face challenges in military applications due to targeting and tracking limitations.

The F-22 Raptor remains the most capable air-to-air fighter in 2026, with fewer than 200 aircraft operational in the U.S. Air Force. Its design prioritizes air dominance, allowing it to outperform rivals like the F-35, J-20, and Su-57. Continuous upgrades and the superior training of American pilots contribute to its unmatched status in air superiority.

The United States delivered the first MC-55A Peregrine aircraft to the Royal Australian Air Force on January 24, 2026. This aircraft enhances Australia's capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, supporting multi-domain operations. The delivery is part of a U.S. foreign military sales arrangement, with the aircraft designed to operate at long range and high altitude across the Indo-Pacific region.

The UK Ministry of Defence selected seven defense companies to develop prototype uncrewed aircraft under Project NYX, aimed at supporting Apache helicopters. The drones will enhance reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike capabilities while reducing risks to aircrews. The program is part of a broader shift towards integrating autonomous systems in military operations, with initial operational capability expected by 2030.

China has delivered a batch of Type 59 130mm towed artillery systems, confirmed by footage of the weapons being loaded onto a cargo vessel. The shipment is reportedly destined for the Middle East, potentially for the United Arab Emirates, with indications that the artillery may be used by aligned proxy forces. This delivery follows a pattern of undisclosed Chinese arms exports.

The U.S. Air Force is enhancing the B-1B Lancer bomber with external pylons to increase its missile carriage capacity and versatility. This upgrade, part of a $50 million funding request for FY 2026, aims to improve the aircraft's performance until the B-21 Raider becomes operational. The enhancements include the ability to carry advanced munitions such as the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile and AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon. The B-1B Lancer continues to serve as a key component of U.S. air power.

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) has been upgraded to a hypersonic-capable platform, successfully completing builder's sea trials. The U.S. Navy reconfigured the destroyer for missile-centric warfare, moving away from its original gun-centric design. With only three hulls in service, the Zumwalt will serve as a niche strike platform and technology testbed, reflecting a broader shift in naval strategy towards long-range strike capabilities.

China is evolving its anti-ship missile capabilities, specifically the DF-21D and DF-26B, to threaten U.S. carrier strike groups with intercontinental reach. This development challenges U.S. naval strategies and introduces risks of miscalculation during potential conflicts. The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force is at the forefront of this evolution, which could reshape military dynamics in the Pacific.

Iran has enhanced its missile defense capabilities and increased the quantity and quality of its missile strength compared to last year. The Iranian Defense Ministry spokesperson emphasized the improved efficiency of these systems. Concurrently, the U.S. has threatened military intervention, with President Trump announcing a large fleet heading to the Middle East, including an aircraft carrier and additional missile defense systems.

The U.S. Navy's Virginia-class Block V submarine is under development, with the first unit, USS Oklahoma, achieving 'pressure hull complete' status in December 2025. This submarine enhances undersea warfare capabilities by tripling missile capacity to 40 Tomahawk missiles and integrating advanced stealth and sensor technologies. It is designed for great power competition, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and includes significant upgrades in detection and combat systems.

The U.S. Navy's proposed Trump-Class battleships face significant challenges, including projected costs of $13.5 billion each and a labor shortage in shipbuilding. Experts suggest that the program may be canceled before any ships are completed, as the design and construction timelines are extensive. The first ship, USS Defiant, is expected to be conventionally powered and equipped with advanced weaponry, but its deployment remains uncertain.

Ethiopia has acquired a Russian Orion-E reconnaissance and strike drone, marking the first confirmed export of this system. The drone was displayed at the Aviation Expo 2026, indicating its operational capabilities for reconnaissance and strike missions. This acquisition highlights Ethiopia's engagement with Russian military technology, as the Orion-E has been utilized by Russian forces in various combat operations.

Two 054B frigates were commissioned into the People's Liberation Army Navy in early 2025. These new-generation frigates feature advanced stealth designs, a displacement of 5000 tons, and are equipped with a 100mm main gun and dual-sided phased array radar, marking a significant upgrade in China's naval capabilities.

Iran showcased its domestically produced 'Shahed' series drones during a televised event on the evening of the 22nd. The drones, including models like the 'Shahed-129', were previously used in a military conflict with Israel last June. IRGC Air Force officials highlighted the capabilities of these drones, including their armament and specifications.