Analysis & Reports

Canada is reviewing its fighter aircraft procurement plans, considering a mix of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A and Saab Gripen E fighters. The F-35A scored 57.1 out of 60 points for military capability, significantly outperforming the Gripen E, which scored 19.8. The acquisition cost for the fighter project has risen to C$27.7 billion, excluding additional infrastructure costs. Saab is prepared to support Canada with Gripen production and training if selected.

The keel for the USS John E. Kilmer, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was laid down in Bath, Maine, marking a significant milestone in its construction. The ship is named after Navy corpsman John Kilmer, who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Korean War. Joseph Barna, a former Marine who was saved by Kilmer, frequently spoke about his experiences and passed away on August 19 at the age of 96.

Oklahoma National Guard tested wire mesh cage armor on convoy vehicles during Exercise Thunderstruck 3.0 at Camp Gruber Training Center on September 12, 2023. The exercise focused on unmanned systems and drone threats, integrating both friendly and simulated adversary drones. The cage armor aims to protect vehicles from drone attacks by detonating or deflecting warheads before they reach the hull.

Pratt & Whitney has licensed Hermeus to produce the F100-PW-229 turbofan engine in National Harbor, enhancing the defense industrial base amid rising demand. This agreement supports the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft project and anticipates a peak demand of over 180 engines annually by fiscal year 2034. Hermeus is also developing the Quarterhorse drone and a new turbine-based combined cycle engine.

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is hosting an Industry Day on September 30 in Arlington, Virginia, to discuss the BEAMERS program, which focuses on developing next-generation electronic-support systems. The event will feature classified presentations and is limited to U.S. citizens with a SECRET clearance. Registration is capped at 120 attendees, and foreign nationals must submit additional documentation to attend. No formal solicitation for the program has been issued yet.

Boeing developed the YF-118G Bird of Prey as a technology demonstrator, conducting 38 test flights from 1996 to 1999. The aircraft, which cost $67 million, was designed to showcase low-observable technologies and had no combat capabilities. It is currently displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton.

On August 29, 2026, Nigerien soldiers attempted a mutiny in Niamey, attacking Air Base 101 and the presidential palace, resulting in 27 deaths and around 100 arrests. Russian forces intervened to help regain control of the airport, highlighting Niger's reliance on foreign military support amid ongoing instability. The incident reflects significant fractures within Niger's defense architecture following the withdrawal of Western forces.

Marie DuboisTue Sep 15 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force and Northrop Grumman assembled an inert version of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile at Vandenberg Space Force Base on September 14, 2026. This assembly is a significant milestone towards the planned flight test in 2027, as the program aims to replace the aging Minuteman III missiles. The project has faced cost overruns, with the total estimated cost now at approximately $140.9 billion.

The U.S. Air Force's AGM-190A missile, known as Havoc Spear, passed combat evaluation and is now cleared for broader use across special operations and conventional aircraft. The missile was tested in a live operational setting during Spring 2026, demonstrating its modular design and mission adaptability. AFSOC conducted the evaluation in partnership with U.S. Africa Command, highlighting its role in counterterrorism efforts in Africa.

The U.S. Navy ordered production rounds of Castelion's Blackbeard hypersonic missiles in a deal worth up to $200 million on September 14, 2026. This order follows a previous contract for 50 prototypes and marks the transition of Blackbeard from prototype to production status. The hypersonic weapon is intended for air-launch from carrier-based aircraft, enhancing naval strike capabilities.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the existence of weapons in orbit designed to disable or destroy adversary satellites during a speech at the Air, Space & Cyber conference. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to maintain dominance in space amid evolving threats. Additionally, he announced the upcoming launch of prototype satellites for tracking moving targets and stated that space-based interceptors are now flight ready.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced the launch of space control weapons into orbit during the Air and Space Forces Association’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference held at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. This event marks a significant development in the capabilities of the U.S. Space Force.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $562 million contract to Boeing for the production of three Lot 1 MQ-25A Stingray unmanned tankers. This marks the Navy's first operational carrier-based unmanned aircraft, designed to extend the capabilities of the F/A-18 Super Hornets. Initial deliveries are scheduled for 2029, following a series of delays in the program's timeline.

The U.S. Army is developing the M1E3 Abrams main battle tank, allocating $740.5 million for the first 30 units. This new hybrid diesel-electric design aims to reduce the weight from 73 tons to 60 tons, addressing logistical challenges. The Army's broader upgrade program for the Abrams totals $17.04 billion, reflecting a shift in focus towards enhancing existing capabilities rather than merely upgrading older models.

U.S. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced on October 14 that the U.S. possesses on-orbit space control weapons, marking the first acknowledgment of offensive capabilities in space. This statement was made during the annual Aerospace and Cyber Conference held in Maryland.

The Pentagon confirmed the purchase of 296 F-35 fighters for $24.29 billion, with the average cost of an F-35A now at $92 million. Prices for all three variants have risen due to inflation and increased production costs. The engines are procured separately, and the total acquisition cost for the F-35 program has reached $536.2 billion.

The U.S. Department of the Air Force deployed on-orbit space control weapons to enhance its capabilities against evolving threats. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink announced this development during the 2026 Air, Space & Cyber Conference, emphasizing the need to maintain dominance in space. While details about the weapons were not disclosed, the announcement marks a significant acknowledgment of U.S. efforts to counter adversarial actions in space.

The defense industrial base is under pressure from supply chain shortages and increased demand for military materials. AI tools are being explored to enhance design and manufacturing processes. The inaugural Defense Industrial Base Accelerator (DIBX) was held in Philadelphia to address these challenges. Supply chains are strained by material shortages and evolving military requirements, necessitating new skillsets for the workforce.

The White House sent Hung Cao's nomination to serve as Secretary of the Navy to the Senate on September 1, 2023. Cao, who has been Acting Secretary since April, has over 20 years of naval service and requires a waiver to assume the position due to retirement regulations. Other nominations for Navy leadership were also submitted to the Senate.

Steve Jobs delivered a commencement speech at Stanford University in June 2005, sharing insights from his life, including his experiences with Apple and personal challenges. He emphasized the importance of not wasting time living someone else's life and encouraged graduates to trust their instincts and follow their hearts.