Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force expanded the life cycle support contract for the GBU-53/B StormBreaker to $950 million, extending work at Raytheon's Tucson plant through December 31, 2030. This modification allows for increased orders of the precision-guided bomb, which is operational on the F-15E and F/A-18E/F, with ongoing integration on the F-35. The StormBreaker is designed to engage moving targets in challenging conditions and has international customers.

The U.S. Army awarded Longbow LLC a $419.6 million contract for fire control radar systems and support for the AH-64 Apache helicopter, announced on October 22, 2026. This contract, which runs through January 31, 2032, includes logistics management and support for both U.S. and international Apache fleets. Longbow LLC, a joint venture of Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, has previously supplied radar systems to various foreign militaries.

The Pentagon announced plans to purchase at least 850 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin over the next decade, marking the largest contract in the program's history. This preliminary agreement, which requires Congressional authorization for funding, includes Lockheed Martin's commitment of at least $7 billion to support the project. The total cost of the agreement is estimated to be at least $78 billion, pending Congressional approval.

Australia is sending 300 personnel to participate in the joint military exercise 'Keen Sword 2026' alongside approximately 45,000 Japanese and 11,000 U.S. personnel. The exercise, taking place in Japan and surrounding maritime areas from October 19 to October 29, 2026, focuses on integrating naval, air, cyber, and space operations. It aims to enhance logistical coordination among the participating nations, including the U.S. Navy and Japan Self-Defense Forces.

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The 48th Escort Task Force of the Navy successfully completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and returned to Qingdao, Shandong on October 23. The task force included the missile destroyer Tangshan, missile frigate Daqing, and comprehensive supply ship Taihu, all of which were welcomed back after their successful operation.

Australia announced plans to enhance its underwater drone fleet with weapons, including the Ghost Shark drone capable of deploying mines and reconnaissance drones. Defence Minister Pat Conroy stated that these drones are being delivered to the Australian Navy at an increasing pace. Additionally, funding has been allocated for the Flycatcher unmanned surface vessel to assist in maritime surveillance and drug trafficking monitoring.

The Indian Navy is exploring the integration of laser and microwave weapons on future warships to effectively counter low-cost drone threats. This initiative, reported on October 19, 2023, aims to address the challenges posed by mass drone attacks, which can overwhelm conventional air defense systems. The Navy is also transitioning to electric propulsion to support these energy-intensive weapon systems and is investigating alternative navigation technologies.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Japan Innovation Party are negotiating revisions to Japan's security policy, including discussions on acquiring nuclear submarines. These negotiations, set to begin in November 2023, arise from differing views on defense spending and submarine capabilities. Concerns have been expressed regarding the impact of nuclear submarines on Japan's longstanding peace efforts.

NATO is deploying additional forces, including maritime patrol aircraft and drones, to the Black Sea following a series of attacks on shipping near Romania and Bulgaria. The U.S. has also initiated patrols with a P-8 Poseidon aircraft in the region. This response aims to enhance situational awareness and address the threats posed by these incidents, which are believed to involve Russian drones.

Japan's Ministry of Defense announced on October 20, 2023, the selection of 47 research topics for military technology funding, marking a significant increase in applications. This initiative has raised concerns among academics regarding the militarization of research and its impact on academic freedom. Kobe University and Nagoya University have expressed opposition to this shift, questioning the implications for their institutional policies on military research.

The 48th Escort Task Force of the Chinese Navy completed its escort mission in the Gulf of Aden and Somali waters and returned to Qingdao on October 23, 2023. The mission lasted 378 days, covering over 150,000 nautical miles and escorting 423 vessels. The task force included the missile destroyer Tangshan, missile frigate Daqing, and comprehensive supply ship Taihu, and engaged in various training and joint exercises during its deployment.

The People's Liberation Army Navy conducted routine training exercises with the Liaoning aircraft carrier group in the Western Pacific from October 15 to 22, 2023. Taiwan monitored the movements of six Chinese naval vessels and seven civilian ships but reported no military aircraft activity in the Taiwan Strait. This operation is part of China's annual military training, aimed at improving naval capabilities and testing regional responses.

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The Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile and two drones launched by Houthi forces towards Riyadh on October 23, 2023. Explosions were reported in the city around 3 AM, following air defense alerts sent to residents. The coalition confirmed that the threat was neutralized shortly after the incidents.

U.S. Navy destroyers, including the John Finn and Mustin, are experiencing extended deployments, with some crews facing up to 14 months at sea. Navy officials announced that future deployments will last 10 to 12 months, reflecting a shift in operational policy. Families of sailors report significant challenges, including lack of support and uncertainty about return dates, with some ships not expected back until April 2027.

Keen Sword 2027 commenced on Ishigaki Island on October 19, 2026, involving approximately 57,000 personnel from the Japan Self-Defense Forces and U.S. Armed Forces. The exercise features the first deployment of Type-25 anti-ship missiles, emphasizing multi-domain operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyber. It will continue until October 29, 2026, with participation from seven countries, enhancing regional defense capabilities.

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Qatar is enhancing its military capabilities by exploring new defense partnerships, particularly with the UK, and developing a domestic weapons-production hub. This initiative follows regional threats, including an Israeli strike and Iranian attacks. The Qatari government aims to focus on air defense, counter-drone capabilities, and cybersecurity as part of its defense strategy.

A landmine explosion in the Korean Demilitarized Zone on October 21 injured three South Korean soldiers, prompting South Korea to demand an apology from North Korea. The South Korean Army's 25th Division reported that the explosion was caused by landmines planted by North Korean forces, violating the armistice agreement. North Korea has rejected these claims, labeling them as provocations.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile for the F-35, enhancing its air-to-air combat capabilities. This missile is designed to fit within the F-35's internal weapons bay and has a range exceeding 120 miles. The AIM-120D missile currently has a range of about 100 miles, while China's PL-15 missile can reach up to 186 miles. Testing of the AIM-260 is ongoing, with expectations for it to replace the AIM-120 AMRAAM.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that 187 F-22 Raptors were built before production ceased in 2009. A 2016 study indicated that restarting production would incur $9.869 billion in start-up costs, with unit costs estimated between $206 million and $216 million. Instead of resuming F-22 production, the Air Force plans to enhance existing aircraft and integrate new weapons like the AIM-260 missile.

The U.S. Navy is adapting its strategy in response to advanced Iranian and Chinese anti-ship capabilities, moving its blockade line away from the Strait of Hormuz. With only three of the mandated 11 aircraft carriers deployable at a time, the Navy is reconsidering the role of aircraft carriers in modern warfare, emphasizing the need for smaller, more agile systems and increased submarine production.