Analysis & Reports

Reditus Space announced the completion of its ENOS spacecraft in Washington, designed for microgravity research and hypersonic testing. The vehicle can operate in low Earth orbit and re-enter at Mach 29. It will be launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9, carrying research payloads for commercial customers. The company is currently engaged with various Department of Defense entities regarding its military applications.

The U.S. Air Force developed the Rusty Dagger cruise missile for Ukraine, completing the program in under 16 months. A live-fire demonstration occurred at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, on January 21, 2026. The missile is designed to be affordable and mass-producible, with a range exceeding 930 kilometers, aimed at enhancing Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities against Russia. Ukraine is authorized to purchase thousands of these missiles.

Canada is acquiring A-OTHR radar technology from Australia to enhance NORAD's capabilities, targeting initial operational capability by December 2029. The acquisition aims to address a significant warning gap in North American air defense, requiring five or six radar installations for comprehensive coverage. Additionally, Saab GlobalEye has been chosen as the preferred airborne early warning platform to complement the new radar system.

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The U.S. Air Force has improved the F-35's stealth coating to enhance durability and reduce maintenance compared to the F-22 Raptor. This advancement allows the F-35 to maintain its stealth capabilities with less upkeep, addressing the high operational costs associated with the F-22. The Air Force has also retrofitted some of the F-35's coatings onto the F-22 to improve its performance.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to develop a next-generation infrared search and track system for its F-15 fleet, as indicated by a sources-sought notice published on June 26, 2023, in Dayton. This initiative comes as the planned F-15EX fleet expands to 267 aircraft, highlighting the need for advanced detection capabilities to counter stealth fighters. The current IRST systems have limitations that the new system aims to overcome, reflecting a significant shift in military technology strategy.

The U.S. Navy is developing a new system that enables Virginia-class submarines to launch and recover autonomous Iver4 900 drones through torpedo tubes. This capability, awarded to L3Harris in March 2023, enhances the Navy's operational reach and efficiency in undersea warfare. The system has been validated for various missions, including reconnaissance and mine detection, and represents a significant advancement in submarine warfare technology.

Turkey is negotiating its return to the F-35 program by 2026, which raises concerns for Israel regarding military balance in the region. The U.S. is considering lifting sanctions imposed after Turkey's acquisition of the S-400 system. Israel fears that Turkey's access to F-35s could enhance its military capabilities, impacting regional security dynamics. Discussions include the potential transfer of the S-400 to a Gulf state to facilitate Turkey's reintegration into the F-35 program.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon Jul 13 2026Loading...

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 released a handbook in December 2023 detailing counter-drone strategies, asserting that drones are not a 'silver bullet' in warfare. The guide emphasizes the need for a foundational understanding of drone threats and outlines various countermeasures based on recent military experiences, including operations in Ukraine. It highlights the ongoing challenges posed by drones and the importance of adapting military tactics to address these threats effectively.

Canada signed agreements with Australia to acquire the Arctic Over-The-Horizon Radar (A-OTHR) to enhance NORAD's airspace surveillance capabilities. The deal, valued at US$1.75 billion, aims to fill significant gaps in radar coverage, allowing detection of airborne and surface targets. The A-OTHR is expected to achieve initial operational capability by December 2029, improving monitoring of potential threats, including from Russia.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington installed new counter-drone systems from Anduril Industries in 2025. The systems, including Anvil, Pulsar, and SpyGlass, enhance the base's defense against small drones. This installation is part of a broader initiative by Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to improve drone defense capabilities across U.S. military installations, addressing the increasing threat posed by small drones.

Kongsberg reported a 31% revenue increase to NOK 10,389 million and a nearly 50% rise in operating profit to NOK 1,669 million in the second quarter of 2023. The company secured multiple contracts for its Joint Strike Missile and NASAMS air defense system, with Canada selecting the missile for its F-35A fleet. Kongsberg also expanded its focus on subsea infrastructure protection, reflecting growing interest in defense procurement.

Echodyne opened a new advanced radar manufacturing facility in Washington State on July 10, 2026, capable of producing over 30,000 radars annually. This $40 million investment aims to meet the growing demand for radar systems in defense applications, creating over 100 new jobs. The facility will support the production of MESA® radar technology, which is crucial for counter-UAS and other military operations.

Space Force acquired the Meadowlands weapon system last month, designed to jam enemy satellites using electromagnetic radiation. This system, operated by Mission Delta 3 at Peterson Space Force Base, enables reversible jamming of satellite communications without causing permanent damage. The Meadowlands represents a significant advancement in orbital warfare capabilities, allowing for non-kinetic operations to disrupt adversary capabilities.

The Horten Ho 229, developed by Nazi Germany, was a revolutionary flying-wing jet aircraft that aimed to meet Luftwaffe requirements during World War II. Researchers at the Smithsonian found no evidence of radar-absorbing materials in the aircraft, which suggests it was not a stealth plane. However, its design principles influenced modern stealth technology, and Northrop Grumman's tests indicated it reduced radar reflections compared to conventional aircraft.

The Boeing F-47 sixth-generation fighter aircraft is under development, showcasing a unique design with canards and a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles. Recent images from Area 51 reveal its capabilities, which include high-speed performance and integration with Collaborative Combat Aircraft. This development indicates a strategic shift in U.S. military aviation priorities, focusing on operational flexibility and advanced combat systems.

NASA conducted research flights with the SR-71 Blackbird from 1997 to 1998 to test a linear aerospike engine for the X-33 spaceplane. In October 2024, a German aircraft successfully ignited a linear aerospike engine in flight, marking a significant milestone in aerospace technology. The SR-71's final mission involved carrying a rocket engine that ultimately never ignited due to technical issues.

NASA conducted research flights with the SR-71 Blackbird from 1997 to 1998 to test a linear aerospike engine, which was intended for the X-33 spaceplane. The program was ultimately canceled due to technical issues. On October 29, 2024, a German aircraft successfully ignited a linear aerospike engine in flight, marking a significant advancement in rocket technology.

On July 9, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense awarded $86 million to nLIGHT and Lockheed Martin to develop high-energy laser systems for cruise missile defense. The program aims to produce 300-500 kW laser systems, with operational demonstrations expected by 2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance air defense capabilities against threats from Iran, Russia, and China.

The U.S. Air Force developed and tested the Rusty Dagger cruise missile in record time, with 3,350 units approved for sale to Ukraine by August 2025. The missile, built by Zone 5 Technologies, was designed to meet urgent wartime needs and demonstrated unprecedented speed in its acquisition and integration into military operations. The program's rapid development allowed for combat readiness ahead of schedule, showcasing a significant shift in military procurement processes.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) conducted submarine-launched missile tests in the deep sea and held joint exercises at sea this week. Additionally, new artillery was fired for the first time in the desert, showcasing the military's capabilities and readiness.