Analysis & Reports

Tron Future unveiled an AI-assisted system for anti-armor rockets at the Singapore Airshow from February 3-8, 2023. The T-Scope is designed to convert unguided munitions into precision-guided weapons, enhancing training for military personnel. The company plans further testing to evaluate the system's performance in shallow water and aims for army certification by year-end.

Tron Future unveiled an AI-assisted guidance system for anti-armor rockets at the Singapore Airshow from February 3-8, 2023. The T-Scope is designed to convert unguided munitions into precision-guided weapons, enhancing training for military personnel. The company plans further testing to evaluate the system's performance in shallow water and aims for army certification by year-end.

Vietnam's Ministry of Defense signed a $250 million agreement with Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to acquire the Spike Firefly loitering munition and establish a local production facility. The Maoz drone, designed for ground forces, allows for controlled engagement and has an operational range of up to 5 kilometers. This deal signifies the strengthening defense ties between Vietnam and Israel.

The Philippine Air Force confirmed an order for six additional A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, increasing its fleet to 12. This acquisition aims to enhance capabilities for close air support, surveillance, and counterinsurgency operations. The A-29 is designed for operations in complex internal security environments and can operate from short runways, making it suitable for various missions in the Philippines.

Embraer announced that the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft for the Republic of Korea Air Force reached the final assembly stage in Singapore on February 3, 2026. The aircraft will undergo production flights and system integration to meet ROKAF requirements. This aircraft enhances ROKAF's capabilities with advanced multi-mission functions and is designed for interoperability within NATO.

Embraer announced that the Republic of Uzbekistan has ordered the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft at the Singapore Airshow on February 3, 2026. This acquisition will enhance the capabilities of the Uzbekistan Air Force for transport and humanitarian missions, marking Uzbekistan as the first Central Asian nation to operate this advanced military transport aircraft.

ST Engineering presented the AME-A514 Assault Rifle at the Singapore Airshow 2026, highlighting its design as a modular platform for infantry use. The rifle features a 5.56 × 45 mm NATO caliber, ambidextrous controls, and compatibility with standard magazines. It aims to replace older rifles and is optimized for both urban and tropical combat environments, showcasing advanced ergonomics and potential for future upgrades.

China and Russia are struggling with the development of their next-generation stealth bombers, the H-20 and PAK DA, respectively. Both programs face technical challenges, including engine and avionics issues, and political obstacles related to collaboration. The PAK DA is not yet operational, and resource constraints in Russia are impacting its development.

China's People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is projected to field approximately 1,000 J-20/A/S stealth fighters and 900 J-16 fighters by 2030, significantly modernizing its air capabilities. The production rate of J-20s is expected to reach 120 aircraft annually, indicating a substantial increase in fifth-generation fighter jets. Despite American manufacturers having a reliability advantage in engines, China's advancements in production and technology are notable.

SD Government received T-1 certification from the US Air Force Air Mobility Command for the Roll-on/Roll-off Tactical Removable Airborne Satellite Communications capability for C-130 aircraft on February 2, 2026, in Singapore. This certification enables multiple satellite communication options and enhances operational capabilities for C-130 variants, improving situational awareness for military forces.

BIRD Aerosystems secured a multi-million dollar contract on February 2, 2026, to supply dozens of SPREOS DIRCM systems for a Helicopter Upgrade Program in the Asia Pacific region. This contract includes strategic cooperation with a local defense company for knowledge transfer and local production. The SPREOS DIRCM system is designed to protect helicopters from missile threats, enhancing their operational capabilities.

BIRD Aerosystems secured a multi-million dollar contract on February 2, 2026, to supply dozens of SPREOS DIRCM systems for a Helicopter Upgrade Program in the Asia Pacific region. The contract involves strategic cooperation with a local defense company for knowledge transfer and production. SPREOS DIRCM systems are designed to protect helicopters from missile threats, enhancing the modernization of national helicopter fleets.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will showcase its integrated air, space, intelligence, and air defense capabilities at the Singapore Airshow 2026. The exhibition will feature advanced systems such as the SPICE Family, IRON DOME, and LITENING-5 targeting pod, highlighting the company's commitment to enhancing military operational effectiveness. This event underscores the growing need for integrated military solutions in complex environments.

South Korea has begun deploying anti-drone protective nets on K2 Black Panther tanks and K21 infantry fighting vehicles during a January 2026 exercise. This initiative, led by the ROK Army’s 8th Maneuver Division, aims to enhance protection against low-cost aerial threats, reflecting a strategic shift in armored warfare. The nets are designed to trigger premature detonation of drones, indicating a proactive adaptation to lessons learned from recent conflicts.

Taiwan has confirmed the completion of the third batch of 28 M1A2T Abrams tanks in the United States, which are set to be shipped to the island. The Taiwan Army's Sixth Army Corps is preparing for the integration of these tanks into its operational force structure, while the second batch is currently undergoing training. An internal activation ceremony is planned for the second quarter of this year to officially add the new units to combat readiness.

China is fundamentally reassessing its missile requirements for Taiwan contingency operations, potentially increasing estimates significantly. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is expanding its missile arsenal, with projections indicating it will have the world's largest land-based ballistic missile arsenal by 2025. This shift reflects lessons learned from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and indicates a move towards prolonged attrition warfare scenarios.

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A fourth prototype of the J-36 6th generation fighter was observed in flight on January 30, 2025, at the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation in China. This rapid development indicates significant investment and priority from the People's Liberation Army Air Force. The J-36 program is advancing faster than previous aircraft, with expectations for entry into service by 2030.

China's People's Liberation Army Air Force is conducting flight tests of upgraded J-20A stealth fighters, which are nearing operational readiness. The new models feature WS-15 engines and advanced avionics, enhancing their long-range and electronic warfare capabilities. This modernization reflects China's growing confidence in its domestic aerospace technology and aims to close the gap with U.S. fifth-generation fighters.

Two J-35A stealth fighters from the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) flew over the Shenyang Aircraft Corporation in Liaoning on January 7, 2024, indicating mature testing and the start of steady production. The J-35A, a land-based variant designed for air superiority and precision strike, is expected to achieve Initial Operating Capability later this year and aims for squadron fielding by 2027. This development marks a significant advancement in China's military aviation capabilities.

The People's Liberation Army poses a significant threat to U.S. Navy and Air Force installations in East Asia, particularly with over 2,200 missiles capable of overwhelming U.S. defenses. The Trump-class battleship is being developed to counter these threats, but its survivability against missile strikes remains uncertain. The U.S. military is exploring options to enhance its naval capabilities in response to China's growing missile arsenal and asymmetric warfare strategies.