Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy launched an Aegis Readiness Assessment Vehicle Six (ARAV-6) target from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii on August 6, 2026, as part of the Pacific Dragon 2026 exercise. This biennial exercise, involving the U.S. and six partner nations, aims to enhance missile tracking and interception capabilities. The exercise runs until August 15, 2026, and includes various missile defense systems.

On August 20, 2023, Russian forces launched a massive combined strike on Kyiv, involving 44 cruise missiles and 168 drones. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 39 cruise missiles and 145 drones, but the attack resulted in 12 civilian deaths and around 40 injuries. The strikes hit multiple locations, including residential buildings and a children's hospital, indicating a strategy aimed at pressuring the civilian population.

Dmitri VolkovThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

Kongsberg signed a NOK 1.1 billion contract with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada for the delivery of the PROTECTOR RS4. This contract indicates a significant procurement of military equipment by Canada.

The U.S. Army awarded ThinKom Solutions a $49 million contract to develop and test a mobile high-power microwave weapon designed to counter drones. The prototype, named Alecto, will undergo field testing in 2027 and aims to provide non-kinetic options against unmanned aircraft. The system will be integrated with government-designated sensors and fire-control systems, targeting smaller classes of drones.

On August 20, the Russian Pacific Fleet conducted missile strikes during a planned exercise near the Southern Kuril Islands. The Varyag cruiser launched two Onyx anti-ship missiles, while the Omkus submarine fired Granite cruise missiles. Additionally, the Bastion coastal defense system engaged targets with Onyx missiles, simulating enemy vessels over 300 kilometers away.

The European Union is currently striving for strategic autonomy and technological sovereignty in defense amid increasing geopolitical tensions. It acknowledges its limited influence in global conflicts and the risks associated with reliance on external military supplies. The EU is actively seeking to enhance its defense capabilities through various strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Arcfield is preparing for a satellite launch in September and is exploring the manufacturing of specialized glass components for optical sensors and laser communications in Huntsville, Alabama. The company aims to enhance its production capabilities to support military applications and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Additionally, Germany is investing in space defense projects and has rebranded its air force to include space operations.

German Eurofighter Typhoons achieved simulated 'kills' against U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors during the 2012 Red Flag 12-2 exercise in Alaska. The exercise demonstrated the capabilities of both aircraft in close-range dogfighting, with German pilots claiming they could outclass the F-22 under certain conditions. Despite the notional victories, the F-22 maintains a high mission success rate and is recognized for its advanced combat capabilities.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Navy explored the development of medium aircraft carriers (CVV) as a cost-effective alternative to supercarriers. This initiative received support from Presidents Ford and Carter but was ultimately abandoned in favor of larger Nimitz-class carriers under President Reagan. The CVV was designed to displace 50-60,000 tons and accommodate up to 65 aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat.

The U.S. Navy evaluated the navalized F-117N Seahawk in 1984 but ultimately rejected it due to cost and versatility concerns. Lockheed Martin later proposed the F-35C Stealth Fighter, which entered service in 2019, fulfilling the Navy's need for a carrier-capable stealth aircraft. The F-117, while never used by the Navy, had a significant operational history with the Air Force, particularly during the Gulf War.

The B-21 Raider completed its maiden flight on November 10, 2023, at Edwards AFB, California. The U.S. Air Force plans to procure at least 100 B-21 bombers, with Congress approving $10.3 billion for the program. Current production is estimated at 7-8 aircraft per year, raising concerns about meeting future operational needs against potential threats.

The U.S. Army is transitioning to a polymorphic command and control (C2) mesh system to enhance battlefield communication resilience. This new approach, articulated by Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, moves away from traditional PACE plans, focusing on decentralized tactical radios and commercial infrastructure to counter electronic warfare threats. The strategy aims to diversify data paths and reduce reliance on fixed communication methods.

The Avro Canada VZ-9AV Avrocar was developed in the 1950s as an experimental aircraft for the U.S. Armed Forces, originating from Canada. Two prototypes were built, but the project was canceled in 1961 due to performance issues. The aircraft is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force and under restoration at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.

Rheinmetall Air Defence and Hensoldt demonstrated the successful integration of passive sensor technology during the German Air Force exercise Timber Express 2026 in Manching.

Canada is debating the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S., with a budget now set at C$27.7 billion. The Canadian Armed Forces are considering other options, including Gripen jets, amid ongoing discussions about U.S.-Canada relations. The CF-18 fleet is set to retire by 2032, and Ottawa has already approved funding for 16 F-35s.

The U.S. Army's M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tank showcases advanced capabilities, including improved situational awareness and a sophisticated sensor suite. It retains the M256 120mm cannon and features enhancements like the Vehicle Health Management System. The tank is designed for effective operation in networked environments, making it a formidable asset against foreign tanks such as Russia's T-14 and China's Type-100.

Air Force security teams at F.E. Warren Air Force Base are seeking to train with six refurbished DJI drones to prepare for potential threats. This procurement is deemed essential for the 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron to effectively counter the most likely adversarial drone technologies. The Air Force's directive permits this purchase to enhance training against prevalent drone threats in modern warfare.

The Defense Department's Golden Dome Office in Washington has repeatedly denied the Congressional Budget Office's requests for briefings on its missile defense plans. The CBO estimates the program could cost up to $1.2 trillion, while the Pentagon disputes these figures, claiming they are based on outdated technology. The fiscal 2027 budget includes $17.5 billion for the Golden Dome initiative, which aims to defend against advanced missile threats.

Rheinmetall and Hensoldt successfully integrated passive radar technology into the German Air Force's air defense systems during the Timber Express 2026 exercise in Manching on 19 August 2026. The integration of Hensoldt's Twinvis radar with Rheinmetall's Skymaster system demonstrated effective air target detection and tracking under NATO conditions, enhancing operational capabilities and situational awareness for military units.

China is developing the H-20 stealth bomber, which has not yet entered mass production or operational service as of early 2026. U.S. officials believe the H-20 will not match the capabilities of existing U.S. bombers like the B-2 Spirit and the upcoming B-21 Raider. The project has faced multiple delays and engineering challenges, with expectations for its debut pushed to the 2030s. The H-20 is intended to enhance China's long-range strike capabilities.