Analysis & Reports

Breaking Defense announced the hiring of Mikayla Easley as assistant editor, effective September 28. Easley, known for her experience in defense journalism, previously worked at Defense Scoop and National Defense Magazine. This addition aims to support the publication's growth and enhance its coverage of defense-related topics.

Airbus was awarded a 25-year cybersecurity contract by the French General Directorate for Armament (DGA) on 23 September 2026. This contract is associated with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, indicating a significant military procurement.

European governments are increasingly pursuing sovereign satellite capabilities to enhance control over their defense infrastructure, driven by recent U.S. restrictions on satellite access. This shift was emphasized during the World Space Business Week held in Paris from September 14 to 17, 2023, where industry leaders discussed the need for independent space assets. The ongoing war in Ukraine has underscored the critical role of satellite data in modern warfare, prompting a significant investment in local satellite systems.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius lobbied U.S. defense leaders in Berlin to allow the production of PAC-3 MSE interceptor missiles in Germany to address global supply shortages. This follows an agreement with U.S. officials at the Pentagon, emphasizing Germany's commitment to manufacturing various elements of the Patriot missile system domestically. The production of these interceptors is crucial for enhancing air defense capabilities, particularly in light of ongoing threats.

DroneShield opened a research and development hub in Adelaide in September 2026 to enhance next-generation Australian defense technology, focusing on counter-drone and electronic warfare systems.

On June 25, 2026, 26 ships from 13 partner and allied nations participated in Fleet Exercise 250 in the Atlantic Ocean, led by the USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The exercise aimed to enhance military readiness and interoperability among allied forces. The report also outlines the strategic implications of the Iran War and President Trump's vision for regional stability post-conflict.

Hanwha Aerospace is establishing a subsidiary in Saudi Arabia by 2026 to localize the production of the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer. This move aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's military capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. The K9 howitzer, capable of rapid fire and repositioning, is part of Saudi Arabia's broader strategy to strengthen its defense industry under Vision 2030.

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The French General Directorate for Armament awarded Airbus Cybersecurity SAS a 25-year contract on 23 September 2026 to provide advanced cybersecurity gateways for the Ministry of the Armed Forces. This contract aims to enhance secure data exchanges across military networks, reinforcing the cybersecurity infrastructure essential for military operations. The gateways will be deployed in various environments, ensuring versatility and operational readiness.

Australia plans to allow Japan's Self-Defense Forces to use its test ranges for missile testing, including hypersonic weapons, following an agreement made in August 2026. This move reflects a deepening defense cooperation between the two nations amid Japan's concerns over U.S. reliability. The Woomera test range in South Australia is expected to be a key site for these tests, as Japan develops advanced long-range strike capabilities.

The United States plans to establish two new military bases in Greenland, Narsarsuaq and Mestersvig, to enhance NATO's operational capabilities in the Arctic. This agreement, signed on September 22, 2026, during the UN General Assembly, aims to redistribute Arctic responsibilities among NATO allies. Currently, approximately 150 U.S. military personnel are stationed at Pituffik Space Base, which will remain the primary U.S. military site in Greenland.

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Representatives from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso unified their military efforts under the Sahel Alliance (AES) on September 22, 2026. Turkey is supplying Bayraktar drones to enhance AES's military capabilities, aiming to provide a visible military presence without the political costs of Western deployments. However, the effectiveness of these drones is contingent on integrated intelligence and ground operations to counter groups like JNIM and ISIS.

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Creotech Instruments plans to quadruple its satellite production capacity from 10 to over 40 satellites per year by 2029 in Warsaw, Poland. The company has secured a significant contract for the MikroGlob program, which includes the delivery of four earth observation microsatellites. Creotech is also building a new factory to support this expansion and is closely involved with the European Space Agency.

Russia urged Japan to withdraw the U.S. Tienfeng missile system following the conclusion of the 'Orient Shield 26' joint military exercise on September 24, 2023. Japan confirmed that the Tienfeng system will remain in the country, raising concerns about regional security and a potential arms race in Northeast Asia. The Tienfeng system, capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles, has been a point of contention between Russia and Japan.

Japan is planning to construct 130 new ammunition depots between 2027 and 2032, primarily in Hokkaido, Kyoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, and Okinawa. These depots will store new missile systems, including the Type 25 glide missile and Tomahawk cruise missiles, indicating a significant shift in Japan's military posture. This expansion is viewed as a response to regional tensions and reflects Japan's growing military ambitions.

European air forces are shifting their focus towards unmanned systems, moving away from manned sixth-generation fighters. This trend reflects a growing interest in drone technology and its potential impact on military operations. Experts from Breaking Defense highlight this evolution in airpower strategy.

Rafael Systems Global Sustainment secured an agreement to pursue U.S. qualification of the SPIKE SR shoulder-fired missile on September 22, 2023. This agreement involves testing and adapting the missile to meet U.S. military standards. The SPIKE SR is a lightweight, precision missile designed for infantry use, previously evaluated positively by the U.S. Army in 2021.

Brazilian President Lula condemned Israel for committing genocide in Gaza during his speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly on September 22. He emphasized that generations of Palestinians will suffer from this trauma and criticized illegal settlements in the West Bank for obstructing the two-state solution essential for peace between Israel and Palestine.

King Abdullah II of Jordan warned at the UN General Assembly on September 22 that Israel's expansionist ambitions pose a significant regional threat. He criticized the Israeli government's actions as reckless and stated that their goals include undermining the establishment of a Palestinian state by destroying Gaza and annexing the West Bank.

On September 22, 2026, CENTCOM expanded air defense coordination between Israel and Gulf states following a drone attack in Fujairah. The cooperation focuses on sharing early warning data and linking command centers to counter threats from Iranian missiles and drones. Despite the acquisition of advanced systems like Patriot and THAAD, the report highlights the need for improved operational integration and trust among regional partners.

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The Polish Dual Use Chamber (PIDU) was inaugurated in Warsaw on March 30, 2026, to promote dual-use technologies across military and civilian sectors. PIDU aims to integrate various stakeholders, including 72 member companies, with expectations to exceed 100 by year-end. The chamber focuses on five key areas, including drones and cybersecurity, and emphasizes the importance of a reliable industrial ecosystem.