Analysis & Reports

The US and Japan finalized an agreement to assemble the AMRAAM missile in Japan and increase production of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor. This initiative is part of 'Operation Supercharge' aimed at enhancing defense technology cooperation. The agreements were announced by Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi during a press conference in the Philippines, highlighting the importance of these weapons for both nations' defense capabilities.

U.S. Army researchers tested adaptive camouflage technology in Pituffik, Greenland, earlier this year. The technology aims to change its appearance based on terrain and environmental conditions to enhance concealment. This testing is part of a broader initiative involving international cooperation and will soon be evaluated on Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles by the Alaska National Guard.

Leonardo DRS raised its full-year 2026 forecast after reporting third-quarter revenue of $1.066 billion, driven by demand for tactical radars and naval systems. The company booked $1.64 billion in new orders, achieving a book-to-bill ratio of 1.5x, and its funded backlog reached a record $5.64 billion. The results reflect a successful strategy of investing ahead of demand in military technology.

Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was ousted from his role as director for strategy, plans and policy at the Joint Chiefs of Staff this week and is set to retire. His removal follows accusations of sharing classified information and failing polygraph tests. The Pentagon has not provided a reason for his departure, leaving the Joint Chiefs without a lead planner during active conflicts.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from the Joint Chiefs of Staff for severe misconduct related to leaking information about military operations in Iran and Ukraine. The investigation into Sylvia has been referred to the Department of Justice, and no interim replacement has been appointed, leaving the Joint Chiefs without a lead planner during ongoing conflicts. Sylvia's dismissal follows a pattern of high-level military leadership changes in recent months.

The US Army plans to replace some of its 7,300 Bradley Fighting Vehicles with the new XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle, featuring advanced technology such as a hybrid electric powerplant and an unmanned turret. Currently, two prototypes are undergoing trials at Fort Irwin, California, with a decision on the final model expected by mid-2027. The Bradley has a notable combat record, having destroyed more Iraqi tanks than the M1 Abrams during the Gulf War.

The Pentagon is selecting a location for a new military base in the United States by June 2027, aiming to support 15,000 to 25,000 active service members and their families. The base will focus on modern military capabilities, including autonomous systems and self-sufficiency measures. States are required to submit site nominations by December 1, 2023, and public-private partnerships are encouraged to aid in infrastructure development.

Firehawk raised over $150 million on October 28, 2023, to enhance production capabilities for rocket motors and propellant in Lawton, Oklahoma, and Crawford, Mississippi. The company aims to produce over 100,000 artillery motors by 2027 and has been selected by the U.S. Army to manufacture Hydra-70 rockets. The funding will support the build-out of its facilities and increase hiring for production efforts.

Israel's Defense Ministry is enhancing its munitions independence by engaging with Covenant, a startup developing the Anthem cruise missile. On October 29, 2023, retired Maj. Gen. Amir Baram visited Covenant to discuss strengthening Israel's defense-tech ecosystem. The ministry aims to foster competition and innovation in defense production, with a focus on developing advanced systems for the Israel Defense Forces.

On October 29, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense classified Confucius Institutes on U.S. college campuses as national security threats. The Pentagon has dismantled 80 propaganda organizations associated with these institutes across 30 universities. The Defense spokesperson criticized the negative portrayal of Confucius Institutes, emphasizing the importance of educational exchanges between the U.S. and China.

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force deployed the Type-25 anti-ship missile for the first time during a large-scale joint exercise with the U.S. in late October 2026. This deployment marks a significant enhancement of Japan's long-range strike capabilities and integration into joint operations. The Type-25 missile is estimated to have a range of about 1000 kilometers, contributing to increased uncertainty for Chinese naval operations in the region.

Li MinghuiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force is seeking contractors for the repair and sustainment of the ASARS-2 radar system used by the U-2 Dragon Lady spy plane, despite plans to retire the aircraft by the end of fiscal 2027. The request for information was posted on October 22, 2023, and amended shortly after, indicating ongoing efforts to maintain this critical military equipment.

Lockheed Martin will upgrade the operating systems for F-35 reprogramming laboratories under a $43.7 million contract announced by the U.S. Navy on Oct. 28, 2023. Eighty percent of the work will take place in Eglin, Florida, and the remaining 20% in Fort Worth, Texas, with completion expected by April 2030. The contract supports mission data production for U.S. military jets and involves contributions from international partners.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $23.1 million contract to Integer Technologies for research on zero trust cybersecurity to protect warship power systems. The work will occur in Columbia, South Carolina, through October 2030, focusing on enhancing the resilience of shipboard power systems against cyber threats.

Kongsberg Group reported a record order backlog of NOK 174.2 billion in the third quarter of 2026, driven by increased demand for military equipment including Joint Strike Missiles and NASAMS systems. The company secured NOK 23.3 billion in new orders, more than double from the previous year, and aims to expand production capacity in response to growing defense needs. Kongsberg's revenue rose 50% to NOK 11.3 billion, reflecting strong performance in the defense sector.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force integrated the Type-25 anti-ship guided missile system into joint military exercises with the U.S. in October 2026. This marked the first participation of the Type-25, emphasizing Japan's commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities. The exercises aimed to validate the integration of long-range firepower into operational scenarios, while discussions also focused on strengthening Japan-U.S. military cooperation and addressing cyber threats.

Tanaka TakashiThu Oct 29 2026Loading...

Tennessee has launched a bid to host the planned United States Space Academy at the Coffee County Joint Industrial Park near Tullahoma. Governor Bill Lee announced the bid on October 28, 2023, highlighting the state's existing infrastructure and proximity to Arnold Air Force Base. The academy, intended to educate future military personnel, is backed by NASA, which is overseeing the establishment of the institution amid competition from other states.

The U.S. Navy reported a record number of Class A aviation and afloat mishaps in fiscal 2026, including 16 aviation incidents and 11 afloat mishaps. Notable events included an emergency landing of an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter in the Arabian Sea, resulting in one presumed dead, and a fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford that injured three sailors. Additionally, a landing mishap involving an E/A-18G Growler injured eight personnel off the coast of Virginia.

The U.S. midterm elections will influence the FY2027 defense budget and war authorization, affecting military resource allocation and priorities. The Senate's recent vote against limiting military action against Iran reflects a lack of bipartisan consensus. Post-election, changes in military policy regarding Iran and the Middle East may occur, with significant implications for defense funding and resource prioritization.

Marcus ChenWed Oct 28 2026Loading...

The US, UK, and Australia concluded the Maritime Big Play naval exercise off San Diego, showcasing over 40 technologies related to uncrewed and autonomous systems. The Royal Navy led the anti-submarine warfare segment, utilizing various unmanned vessels and drones. This exercise is part of the AUKUS agreement, aimed at enhancing maritime capabilities and addressing security concerns in Europe. The UK announced plans to develop advanced undersea sensor payloads for unmanned systems, expected to be operational by 2027.