Analysis & Reports

Swedish and German submarines repeatedly penetrated U.S. Navy carrier defenses during exercises, achieving simulated kills. The USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Gerald R. Ford are currently deployed in operations against Iran, highlighting the ongoing relevance of aircraft carriers despite emerging threats. The Gotland incident in 2005 underscored vulnerabilities in U.S. anti-submarine warfare capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of tactics.

EDGE established a partnership with the Brazilian Army to evaluate next-generation weaponry, including the CARACAL Assault Rifle CAR 816 and CARACAL Sniper Rifle CSR50, in realistic operational environments. This initiative, announced on 16 April 2026, aims to enhance the Brazilian Army's combat effectiveness and operational readiness through rigorous testing and knowledge exchange.

EDGE and Indra signed a Memorandum of Understanding in São Paulo on 16 April 2026 to develop next-generation radar systems in Brazil. This partnership aims to create a radar production ecosystem, enhancing local defense capabilities and creating skilled jobs. The agreement is part of a growing strategic collaboration between the two companies, which has included joint ventures in radar development and electronic warfare since 2023.

EDGE Group is accelerating the development and production of MANSUP and MANSUP-ER anti-ship missiles in partnership with the Brazilian Navy. This initiative aims to enhance Brazil's indigenous naval weapons capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. The missiles are designed for maritime strike missions and feature advanced guidance systems for improved targeting in electronic warfare environments.

The Kunshan ship conducts mine-hunting operations underwater, utilizing a specialized mine clearance device to destroy bottom mines. This device is designed to minimize risks during the operation and is equipped with a bomb for effective destruction of the mines. The operation highlights the ship's capabilities in handling complex underwater threats.

Hanwha Aerospace signed a memorandum of understanding with Indra Group in Santiago, Chile, on April 8, 2026, to jointly offer armoured vehicle solutions for the Chilean Army. The agreement includes Hanwha supplying Tigon armoured vehicle platforms and Indra providing Mission System Equipment. This partnership aims to enhance defense capabilities in Latin America, starting with Chile.

Theseus successfully completed a 5-hour, 22-minute test flight of its Micro Visual Positioning System over central Florida in March, covering 564 kilometers. The system demonstrated a median horizontal position error of 51.95 meters and operated without mid-flight reinitializations. This test highlights advancements in GPS-denied navigation for drones, addressing vulnerabilities in current military operations.

A C-130 Hercules transport aircraft crashed in Colombia on March 23, 2023, resulting in at least 66 fatalities among the 128 people on board. This incident is the third significant crash of the C-130 model in five months, following similar accidents in Bolivia and Georgia. The aircraft, known for its durability, has been in service for over 60 years.

U.S. Marines from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted extensive combined arms training exercises at Camp Santiago, Puerto Rico, throughout March 2026. The training integrated light armored vehicles, drones, and mortar systems, allowing the unit to rehearse modern expeditionary warfare tactics. The exercises included the use of the Neros Archer drone for attack training and the MV-22B Osprey for logistics support, reflecting the MEU's operational capabilities in austere environments.

The U.S. Armed Forces have deployed thousands of soldiers to the Middle East since February 2026, testing new offensive weapons such as LUCAS drones and ATACMS missiles. The Pentagon is preparing for a potential ground invasion of Iran, indicating a shift in military strategy. Recent operations also include the use of a disruptor weapon system in Venezuela, showcasing the U.S.'s intent to redefine warfare with advanced technologies.

The Israel Defense Forces detected a missile launched from Yemen towards Israel on the 4th. Air defense alarms were activated in Central Israel, including Tel Aviv, in response to the threat.

The U.S. Air Force retired the B-58 Hustler bomber on January 31, 1970, after a decade of service due to mechanical issues and the advancement of aerial defenses. Despite its impressive capabilities, including a maximum speed of Mach 2.0 and 19 speed records, the aircraft was deemed too costly to operate compared to the B-52. Currently, several B-58 specimens are preserved in museums, including one at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.

Blighter is expanding its presence in the Latin American defense market by showcasing its ESA radar systems at FIDAE 2026 in Santiago, Chile, from April 7 to 11. The company aims to enhance military and security capabilities with its advanced radar technology, which is already deployed in over 40 countries. Blighter's systems are designed for persistent monitoring and counter-drone operations, utilizing low-power micro-Doppler technology.

Iran launched multiple missile attacks on Israel, with air raid sirens sounding across Central Israel on April 1. The Israeli Defense Forces reported intercepting many of the missiles, while explosions were heard in various locations, including Tel Aviv. Concurrently, Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks on Northern Israel. This incident marks the largest missile assault on Israel in the last three weeks.

IDV inaugurated a new production line for the LMV-BR 2 4×4 multirole vehicle in Sete Lagoas, Brazil, on March 31st. This line will produce 420 vehicles for the Brazilian Army, enhancing troop mobility and operational efficiency. The event was attended by Brazilian Army Generals, highlighting its military relevance. IDV aims to strengthen Brazil's defense industrial base and expand its global operations.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) is currently deployed in the Caribbean Sea, facing scrutiny for operational issues. It is recognized as the most advanced aircraft carrier, featuring new technologies such as the electromagnetic launch system (EMALS) and advanced arresting gear. Despite challenges, the carrier's design aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce crew size through automation.

The U.S. Air Force is experiencing a critical shortage of airborne battle management (ABM) aircraft, with only 16 E-3 Sentries available for missions. This shortage impacts the U.S.'s ability to respond to drone and missile threats, particularly in the Middle East and off the coasts of Venezuela. The aging fleet and the cancellation of future ABM systems exacerbate the situation, risking under-resourcing of essential air operations.

The U.S. Air Force is advancing the development of the Stand-In Attack Weapon (SiAW) to effectively counter sophisticated air defense systems in Iran and Venezuela. This missile will be integrated into various platforms, including the F-35 and F-47, enhancing the U.S. military's capability to conduct operations in contested airspaces. The SiAW aims to address gaps in current military capabilities against peer adversaries.

The U.S. Navy's USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is operational in the Caribbean Sea, utilizing the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) to enhance aircraft launching capabilities. Despite initial reliability issues, the system has improved, promising faster sortie rates and better aircraft longevity. The Ford-class carriers are also being prepared for future technologies, including directed-energy weapons.

Brazilian President Lula attended the unveiling ceremony of the first domestically assembled F-39E Gripen fighter jet at Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, on March 25, 2023. This event marks a significant milestone for Brazil's aerospace and defense industry, showcasing the country's progress towards defense autonomy. The F-39E Gripen was developed in collaboration with Sweden's Saab Group.