Analysis & Reports

Poland ordered 250 M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams tanks from General Dynamics for $4.75 billion, with delivery expected in about 24 months. The package includes 17 Joint Assault Bridges and 26 recovery vehicles, aimed at enhancing Poland's military capabilities in response to Russian aggression. This acquisition reflects Poland's strategy to modernize its armored forces and ensure interoperability with NATO allies.

The United States Air Force briefly revived the SR-71 Blackbird program in 1995, investing $100 million to restore two aircraft, but discontinued it by 1998 due to high operational costs. The fleet of 12 aircraft had an annual operating cost of approximately $260 million, making it unsustainable in a post-Cold War budget environment. The SR-71 was known for its high-speed reconnaissance capabilities, flying at over 2,000 miles per hour and altitudes above 80,000 feet.

On February 28, 2026, Iran struck Naval Support Activity Bahrain with missiles and drones, prompting the U.S. Navy to relocate its logistics operations to Diego Garcia. USS Gerald R. Ford was deployed for a record 326 days, while USS Abraham Lincoln spent 264 days without a port visit. The Navy is preparing USS Theodore Roosevelt for deployment, implementing lessons learned from previous deployments to address logistical challenges and improve sailor conditions.

The Pentagon is preparing to adjust its funding priorities for FY27 due to uncertainty in Congress regarding a $350 billion reconciliation funding request. With only incremental progress on the base budget, the department may need to defer investments until FY28. Ongoing discussions include securing funding for autonomous warfare and munitions, as service leaders express concerns about potential impacts on key initiatives.

The U.S. Air Force's B-52 modernization effort, involving 13 programs, faces significant challenges, with 10 programs over budget or delayed. The Commercial Engine Replacement Program's costs surged from $3 billion to $15.4 billion, while the radar modernization program's costs increased from $2.3 billion to $2.9 billion. A recent crash of a test aircraft has added to the program's complications. The B-52 is set to remain operational into the mid-21st century.

MBDA and Safran Electronics & Defense received approval from the French Defence Procurement Agency to develop the THUNDART long-range precision strike system in France. This new capability is set to enhance the French Army's tactical options by 2030, with a joint venture established to oversee its development and production in the Paris region.

ELVO is modernizing military vehicles for the Greek Army in Thessaloniki, enhancing 30-year-old Mercedes G-Class vehicles with new technologies. This ongoing effort includes upgrades to engines, transmissions, and situational awareness systems, allowing for improved performance and operational capabilities. ELVO's approach aims to extend the service life of existing fleets while maximizing investment value.

The U.S. Armed Forces implemented new fitness test requirements for combat arms troops, mandating a minimum score of 70% on service-specific tests effective August 31, 2023. Each military branch will establish its own standards, with the Army requiring a minimum of 350 points on its fitness test. The Marine Corps and Navy have their own specific scoring criteria, while the Air Force is revising its fitness assessment standards. These changes aim to enhance operational readiness among combat personnel.

Kongsberg Maritime entered into an agreement to supply Kamewa Steel Series waterjets for the Australian Army's new fleet of 18 Landing Craft Medium vessels, to be constructed in Western Australia. This agreement, dated 10 September 2026, enhances the collaboration between Kongsberg and Austal Defence Australia, reflecting confidence in Kongsberg's technology for military applications.

V2X confirmed on September 8, 2026, that it has been awarded a $19 million contract by the U.S. Marine Corps to deliver 10 Tempest counter-drone vehicles, including maintenance and training support. The Tempest vehicles, which have a combat record in Ukraine, are designed to counter unmanned aerial systems and are equipped with AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire missiles. The contract is set to run through August 10, 2027.

Echodyne announced plans to establish a manufacturing presence in Europe to meet the growing demand for counter-drone systems, following the selection of its MESA radar platform by Kongsberg for various applications. The company opened a facility in Washington state in July 2026, capable of producing over 30,000 radar systems annually. The integration of its radars into Kongsberg's Protector RS4 and RS6 remote weapon stations will enhance their effectiveness against drone threats.

The Eastern Theater Command Air Force conducted day and night flight training exercises to enhance all-weather combat capabilities. Multiple fighter jets participated in simulated combat scenarios, including night operations. Logistical support was efficiently provided for refueling and equipment checks, ensuring readiness for further missions. The training successfully validated and optimized various tactical methods.

American Rheinmetall secured a $7.28 million contract to deliver 12 Mission Master SP autonomous ground vehicles and 5 amphibious kits to the U.S. Marine Corps in 2023. These vehicles will be utilized for testing and evaluation as part of the Marine Corps' autonomous logistics and expeditionary mobility programs. The Mission Master SP features Rheinmetall’s PATH autonomy system and has been tested in various military exercises, including Talisman Sabre in Australia.

Rostec is launching a defense marketplace in September 2026 to enhance drone protection for Russian infrastructure. This initiative aims to connect manufacturers with defense needs, particularly in response to vulnerabilities exposed by Ukrainian strikes. The marketplace will feature anti-drone systems and related equipment, with a significant portion of applications coming from Russian corporations. The move reflects budgetary pressures and a shift towards more cost-effective defense solutions.

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BAE Systems is overhauling two Mk 45 Mod 4 naval guns for the U.S. Navy at its facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with completion expected by March 2030. The U.S. Navy has added $38.2 million to the contract, which is funded through fiscal 2024 shipbuilding money. The Mk 45 guns serve as the primary deck gun on Navy destroyers and cruisers, enhancing their firepower capabilities.

The U.S. Army awarded a $581 million contract to Nitradyn LLC to build a new plant for manufacturing IMX-104 explosives in Tampa, Florida. This facility aims to address a production gap in artillery ammunition, with work expected to be completed by August 9, 2030. The Army seeks to increase production capacity to support its goal of 100,000 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells per month, driven by ongoing military needs.

The U.S. Air Force added $826 million to its missile contract with Lockheed Martin, raising the total to $10.48 billion for the production of JASSM and LRASM missiles. This modification was issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Eglin Air Force Base on June 27, 2026, with completion expected by July 31, 2030. The contract supports ongoing production and includes deliveries to allied nations under Foreign Military Sales agreements.

Daimler Truck Defence is expanding its operations by establishing a local assembly line for Mercedes-Benz truck engines in Kielce, Poland, expected to begin next year. This initiative, in collaboration with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A., aims to support the Polish Armed Forces by integrating these engines into defense vehicles. The partnership includes a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance local assembly capabilities and provide comprehensive technical support.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a $74.8 million contract to Conti Federal Services for the construction of a new hangar for the B-21 Raider stealth bomber at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The facility will support one B-21 aircraft and is expected to be completed by September 25, 2029. This hangar is part of the broader effort to enhance the Air Force's bomber fleet capabilities.

Polaris Government and Defense introduced the Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover snowmobile on September 9, 2026. The U.S. Army ordered 50 units, while the U.S. Marine Corps placed an order for 60 snowmobiles for Norway. Additionally, the U.S. Air Force ordered Voyageur snowmobiles for the 57th Rescue Squadron in Italy, enhancing winter mobility capabilities for military operations.