Analysis & Reports

The EU Space Surveillance and Tracking Partnership (EU SST) is expanding its membership and capabilities in space traffic management, with 19 governments now involved. The program focuses on providing collision avoidance services and enhancing space situational awareness for satellite operators. Recent developments include the addition of four new member states and a projected increase in funding as European militaries seek to build sovereign space capabilities.

Canada's military is withholding records related to an image of Lt. Gen. Jamie Speiser-Blanchet signing a fuselage for the F-35A Lightning II at Lockheed Martin's Texas plant on February 14, 2023. This decision comes as Ottawa reviews its planned purchase of 88 F-35 jets amid political scrutiny and alternative proposals from other manufacturers. The situation reflects ongoing tensions regarding defense procurement and military strategy in Canada.

Dan Driscoll resigned as secretary of the Army in August 2026, leaving the Army without a confirmed leader during the ongoing war with Iran. Pete Hegseth has blocked numerous promotions, particularly targeting women and Black officers, which has raised concerns about the politicization of the military and the integrity of its promotion system. This has resulted in a military leadership that does not reflect the diversity of its enlisted force.

The U.S. Department of State approved a potential sale of 48 F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and 49 Pratt & Whitney engines to Saudi Arabia, valued at $24.3 billion. This decision represents a significant shift in U.S. defense policy and aims to enhance Saudi Arabia's military capabilities amid regional tensions, particularly with Iran. The sale is pending congressional approval and reflects ongoing defense cooperation between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.

As of September 2026, 16,300 U.S. troops may receive medical shaving waivers under new grooming standards. If these troops cannot comply with the 'clean-shaven' policy within a year, they could face separation from service. The policy affects the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Navy, with reevaluations required for those with temporary waivers due to medical conditions.

A Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with the Philippine government ship BRP Datu Magat Salamat near Palawan on Friday, 2026, while it was delivering fuel to fishermen. The incident, described by the Philippine Coast Guard as a deliberate strike, occurred within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. No injuries were reported, but the ship sustained significant damage. This collision is part of ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with both nations asserting conflicting claims over the waters.

Germany celebrated the rollout of its first F-35 aircraft at Lockheed Martin's facility in Ft. Worth, Texas. The event, attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and US officials, underscores the strengthening defense collaboration between the two nations. Germany's $8.8 billion deal for 35 F-35s, signed in 2022, marks a significant step in enhancing its military capabilities, with the first aircraft expected to arrive in late 2027.

The Pentagon is seeking greater flexibility to repair its weapons and systems, pending Congressional approval. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach emphasized the necessity for future contracts to provide the military with more independence, a topic currently under consideration in this year’s defense bill.

The United States Air Force is considering the procurement of a new F-16 variant, the F-16G, to address capacity gaps in its aging fleet. This aircraft would feature advanced systems and capabilities, surpassing existing models. The USAF currently operates 826 F-16 aircraft, with 484 in active duty, and aims to modernize its fleet to meet future operational requirements by 2030.

Babcock International has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Digital Concepts Engineering to advance the development of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) for defense customers.

Modern military technology relies on strategic metals, which are critical for operations and a source of geopolitical tension. The supply of these metals is essential for military capabilities, highlighting their importance in defense strategies.

Iran and Russia have engaged in prolonged conflicts against Ukraine, demonstrating their ability to sustain military efforts without achieving significant strategic benefits. The U.S. military is focusing on enhancing global operational capacity and deterrence strategies in response to these developments. The report highlights the lessons learned from these conflicts regarding military strategy and future defense priorities.

Finland's first two F-35A fighter jets arrived at the Lapland Air Wing in Rovaniemi on September 18, 2023, marking the start of a 64-jet acquisition to replace the aging F/A-18 Hornet fleet. The jets, escorted by Finnish F/A-18s, were flown from the U.S. by U.S. Air Force pilots. Finland aims to achieve initial operational capability by early 2028, with training for pilots and maintenance personnel currently taking place in the U.S.

The U.S. announced a $24 billion sale of 30 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters to Saudi Arabia on September 17, 2026, amid rising tensions with Houthi forces in Yemen. Critics argue that the sale may violate U.S. commitments to Israel and question its effectiveness in addressing the Houthi threat. The deal is reminiscent of a past AWACS sale, raising concerns about regional security dynamics and Saudi Arabia's trustworthiness as a partner.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a national security plan addressing increased Russian hybrid threats and the need for military readiness. The plan anticipates future conflicts in sea and outer space by 2035, urging Europe to enhance military capabilities and societal resilience. It highlights a significant rise in hybrid warfare operations attributed to Russia and recommends reducing technological dependency on non-European suppliers.

The U.S. Army announced that drill sergeants will be automatically promoted to the rank of staff sergeant upon completing their training. This new policy, effective September 10, 2026, mirrors a similar promotion system for Army recruiters and aims to enhance the quality of personnel in these critical roles. The promotion increases the pay grade from E-5 to E-6, providing an additional $3,000 annually.

Nammo is developing a new prototype rocket motor engine for the IRIS-T air defense system in Raufoss, Norway. The new engine aims to enhance the capabilities of the IRIS-T SLX variant, which can intercept targets at a range of 80 kilometers. This development is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine's air defense capabilities, as Ukrainian forces have successfully utilized existing IRIS-T systems against Russian targets since 2022.

Russia is training over 8,000 specialists for its Unmanned Systems Forces as of July 2026, focusing on building institutional systems to capture and generalize battlefield experiences. NATO is advised to shift its focus from mere adaptation of Russian military capabilities to their reproducibility, which is essential for understanding the evolving threat. The report emphasizes the importance of assessing how quickly Russia can regenerate military capabilities after losses.

The European Union announced a 3.3 billion euro investment in Ukrainian drones, missiles, and ammunition on September 18, 2026. This funding aims to bolster Ukraine's military capabilities amid ongoing challenges. However, concerns remain regarding the timely delivery and actual production capacity of the promised support, as well as the strategic implications of the funding structure.

Dr. Klaus WeberFri Sep 18 2026Loading...

Military chaplains are addressing the moral implications of AI in warfare, particularly regarding moral injury from AI-assisted decisions and drone operations. The U.S. Army is testing AI in targeting processes, and chaplains are preparing to support service members facing ethical dilemmas. Congress is examining the mental health impacts of drone operations, highlighting the need for understanding AI technology in military contexts.