Analysis & Reports

The YF-12 interceptor aircraft was developed by Lockheed Martin during the Cold War as a Mach 3 air defense platform. Although three prototypes were built, it never entered service due to shifting military priorities and high costs associated with the Vietnam War. The YF-12 set several aviation records and its technological advancements influenced future aircraft, notably the SR-71 Blackbird. The sole surviving prototype is preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.

The U.S. Air Force plans to extend the operational life of the A-10 Thunderbolt II fleet through 2030, with a phased retirement schedule that includes retiring 49 aircraft in fiscal 2027 and the final 36 by 2030. This decision follows recent combat use of the A-10, which demonstrated its ongoing battlefield value. Congress is also considering a bill to further extend the A-10's service until 2033, requiring the Air Force to maintain operational capabilities for the fleet.

The U.S. Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet's mission-capable rate has dropped to 40.19 percent in fiscal 2024, prompting concerns over readiness. The Air Force has 184 F-22s, including 32 older Block 20 models that Congress has blocked from retirement. Upgrading these Block 20s is projected to cost at least $3.3 billion and take about 15 years, complicating the Air Force's operational capabilities amid increasing global demands.

The F-35 program is experiencing significant readiness issues, with the fleet's mission-capable rate dropping to 25% as of July 31, 2026. The U.S. Air Force is addressing these challenges through a proposed $13.7 billion sustainment reset. Key issues include delays in Block 4 modernization and insufficient power and cooling capacity for future upgrades. Locations involved include Columbus, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida, and Santiago, Chile.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions completed the Indiana Payload Integration Facility for hypersonic systems in Crane, Indiana, on July 28, 2026, ahead of schedule. The $50 million facility is designed to enhance the U.S. military's hypersonic testing capabilities by allowing rapid preparation of experimental payloads. It is expected to create over 100 high-tech jobs and is part of a broader strategy to build defense manufacturing infrastructure in the region.

U.S. Army soldiers integrated the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit onto the C100 drone at Fort Irwin, California, on July 20, 2026. This integration allows the drone to carry and deploy lethal payloads, demonstrating its adaptability for various military roles. The exercise was part of Project Convergence Capstone 6, aimed at testing new technology concepts in realistic field conditions.

British paratroopers tested e-bike tactics for anti-tank operations during Exercise Rhino Bizz in Suffield, Alberta, Canada. Approximately 350 troops participated, utilizing Sting e-bikes to enhance mobility and strike capabilities. The exercise involved the use of Javelin missiles and other munitions, demonstrating a shift in traditional infantry tactics. This initiative reflects the British Army's commitment to adapting to modern warfare technologies.

The U.S. Air Force announced that operational testing of M-code chip cards for military platforms will conclude by fiscal 2027. Up to a million receivers are needed across various services, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The M-code program has faced delays, but the Army has already fielded nearly 4,000 receivers to operational units. Testing continues for platforms like the Gray Eagle UAV and F-16 aircraft, with significant logistical efforts underway to ensure readiness.

The U.S. Army Reserve successfully tested the DropShip aircraft during a logistics exercise on June 30, 2026, completing a 32-km autonomous resupply mission from Gulfport to Diamondhead, Mississippi. The aircraft, capable of carrying 249 kg of supplies, demonstrated its ability to operate from austere locations and conducted a precision airdrop. This marks a significant advancement in military logistics capabilities, allowing for resupply missions in contested areas without risking human pilots.

The U.S. Defense Innovation Unit successfully completed an unmanned stores separation flight test with Hermeus' Quarterhorse in Atlanta. This test is part of the HyCAT program, which aims to accelerate hypersonic flight capabilities. The Quarterhorse reached a top speed of Mach 1.21, and a significant $159 million contract was awarded to Hermeus for ongoing testing and data sharing to inform future military aircraft development.

Amphibious Forces are currently integrating various military roles and advanced equipment into their operations, focusing on sea and shore exercises. Soldiers are now trained to operate alongside unmanned aerial vehicles and boats, enhancing their capabilities. This shift marks a departure from traditional roles, emphasizing a more versatile approach to modern warfare.

Canada is debating the completion of its planned purchase of 88 F-35A Lightning II warplanes amid rising costs and political tensions with the U.S. The Canadian Air Force faces challenges with its aging F-18 fleet, and the government is also considering the Saab JAS-39 Gripen-E as an alternative. Despite these issues, Canada has already committed funding for some F-35s and long-lead components, indicating a likelihood of proceeding with the purchase.

Ukraine requested 300 Patriot interceptors from the U.S. to protect its energy system against Russian attacks. On November 5, the 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted live fire training for Patriot missiles at Fort Bliss. Additionally, Ukraine is collaborating with nine European nations to develop the Freyja anti-ballistic missile system, aiming for a prototype by 2027.

Ukraine is developing new anti-ballistic missile systems, including the Freyja, in collaboration with nine European countries. Lockheed Martin has secured a $53.86 billion contract to enhance PAC-3 production. The urgency for these systems is driven by the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which have depleted existing missile inventories.

CACI International received a $500 million contract to supply its SkyValor counter-drone system to the Joint Interagency Taskforce 401 in Washington. This contract includes full-rate production and deployment of the system at critical mission locations to enhance protection against drone threats. The SkyValor system utilizes advanced detection and electronic warfare capabilities, having been previously tested at Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, Arizona.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 program has commenced its engineering and manufacturing development phase in Dayton, Ohio, with the first flight expected in 2028. The program aims to produce at least 185 F-47 aircraft, intended to replace the F-22 Raptor, and has been allocated significant funding for its development. This initiative is part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance program.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 program has entered its engineering and manufacturing development phase in Dayton, Ohio, with plans to produce test aircraft ahead of its first flight scheduled for 2028. The Air Force intends to purchase at least 185 F-47s to replace the F-22 Raptor, with significant funding allocated for its development under the Next Generation Air Dominance program.

The U.S. Navy awarded contracts totaling $76.6 billion for the construction of five Columbia-class and nine Virginia-class submarines. This investment aims to enhance undersea superiority and replace aging Ohio-class submarines. The Columbia-class is expected to surpass the capabilities of its predecessor, while the Virginia-class continues to support special operations. Construction began in 2020, with the first Columbia-class submarine delivery now scheduled for 2028 due to delays.

U.S. Congress is working on legislation to prevent the retirement of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft until new dedicated ground attack aircraft are operational. This legislation mandates that at least 126 A-10s remain in service for the next decade, reflecting ongoing debates about military readiness and economic interests tied to the aircraft's maintenance. The A-10, which has been in service since the 1970s, is valued for its close air support capabilities.

The U.S. has significantly depleted its Patriot missile inventory during the conflict with Iran, leaving fewer than 1,000 interceptors available. This drawdown raises concerns about readiness for future conflicts, as the U.S. and its coalition partners may need to prioritize high-value threats. The Pentagon has initiated a contract to produce new interceptors, but rebuilding stockpiles will take several years, creating a near- to medium-term risk.