Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
You Can Walk Up to a Stealth Fighter in an American Museum. That’s Exactly Why Most Countries Still Can’t Build One
The F-117 Nighthawk and F-22 Raptor are displayed at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, showcasing the challenges of developing fifth-generation stealth fighters. Only the U.S., China, and Russia have operational models, with other nations like Turkey and India still facing significant hurdles. The F-35 program's high costs reflect the complexity of stealth technology, which includes advanced coatings, engines, and software integration.
Why DoD, Silicon Valley now are betting on solar power beaming sats
The Pentagon and Silicon Valley are actively pursuing the development of space-based solar power technology to enhance military logistics. The U.S. Air Force has contracted Overview Energy to study its applications in conflict zones like Guam and remote areas such as Alaska and Greenland. The technology aims to provide electricity without relying on vulnerable fuel supply chains, with a demonstration planned for 2028 and commercial operations expected by 2030.
Ovzon completes additional Arctic expeditions, demonstrating resilient SATCOM performance
Ovzon conducted three High North Expeditions during 2025 and 2026 to test the performance of the Ovzon 3 satellite and its mobile satellite terminals, T6 and T7, inside the Arctic Circle. These tests validated the technology's functionality in extreme northern latitudes, demonstrating reliable, high-speed connectivity essential for NATO forces operating in the region. Ovzon's commitment to long-term operations in the Arctic aligns with the strategic needs of NATO nations for resilient communications.
There’s promise — and pitfalls — in the Army’s low-cost interceptor plan, experts say
The U.S. Army announced a low-cost interceptor program to enhance air defense against low-cost drones. Analysts highlighted potential challenges in production capacity and budget constraints. The program aims to reduce reliance on expensive missile systems while addressing urgent threats. Experts suggest leveraging commercial practices and new vendors to scale production effectively, despite concerns over material availability and testing requirements.
Canada Wants to Fly Both the Lockheed F-35 and Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The Math Says That Buys Less, Not More
Canada is moving forward with a program for 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A fighters, with the first delivery expected at Luke Air Force Base in 2023. The government is also exploring the addition of Saab's JAS 39 Gripen to its fleet, influenced by recent NATO negotiations for Saab's GlobalEye aircraft. This mixed fleet strategy raises concerns about the feasibility of managing two separate training and maintenance systems.
America’s newest nuclear bomb is ahead of schedule
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) completed a critical manufacturing step for the B61-13 nuclear bomb three months ahead of schedule at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the U.S. nuclear arsenal, with the B61-13 designed to replace the older B61-7 variant and featuring a higher yield. The weapon will primarily be delivered by the B-21 Raider bomber, reflecting the modernization of America's long-range strike capabilities.
Russia says its new tanks can defeat drones, deploys them to front
Russian military units deployed T-72B3A tanks equipped with the Arena-M active protection system to the front line in 2024. These tanks are intended to support assaults on fortified Ukrainian positions, enhancing their defense against drones and other threats. Experts highlight this as a significant advancement in Russian armored capabilities, indicating a shift in military strategy.
Years late: U.S. Air Force’s new trainer jet still isn’t ready
The U.S. Air Force is seeking companies to modernize the T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet, which is facing significant delays in testing and production. The program is now projected to complete developmental testing by April 2028, with initial production decisions set for April 2026. The total acquisition cost has risen by 11% due to various challenges, including maintenance staffing shortages and software development delays. Additionally, the Ground Based Training System has encountered projector issues that may further impact the timeline.
British drone boat firm raises $175M at $1B valuation
Kraken Technology Group raised $175 million in funding on July 9, 2026, to enhance its production of uncrewed surface vessels for NATO navies. The funding will support the development of advanced maritime robotics and expand manufacturing capabilities across multiple NATO countries, including Germany, the U.S., and Canada. This follows Kraken's recent military contracts, including a significant agreement with U.S. Special Operations Command.
Canada Announces Order of 12 Submarines from Germany
Canada plans to order up to 12 submarines from Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to enhance security in the Atlantic and Arctic regions. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Carney on July 7, 2023, follows discussions with German Defense Minister Pistorius, who welcomed the collaboration. The submarines will be the 212CD model, marking TKMS's largest submarine order to date.
The Math Doesn’t Lie: 100 B-21 Raider Bombers Isn’t Enough for the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force plans to procure 100 B-21 Raider bombers, but budget constraints and strategic assessments indicate this number is insufficient for current military needs. Historical comparisons to the B-2 Spirit reveal concerns about fleet size and combat readiness in potential conflicts with China and Russia. The report advocates for a shift towards investing in drones and hypersonic weapons to enhance combat capabilities.
Space Force adds two startups to small, medium launch pool
The Space Force announced the addition of California-based startups Impulse Space and Relativity Federal to its pool of launch providers for national security payloads. This expansion increases the total number of qualified providers to seven, including established companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin. The NSSL Phase 3 Lane 1 program, which focuses on less critical payloads, is funded through a $5.6 billion contract extending to 2030.
Pentagon to explore cheaper replacements for the MQ-9 Reaper
The Pentagon is exploring cheaper long-range drone options to replace the MQ-9 Reaper due to unsustainable loss rates in conflicts. The U.S. Air Force currently operates about 135 Reapers, which are costly to maintain. The new Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) aims to be produced in large numbers, with a payload capacity of at least 2,800 pounds and a combat range of 2,300 nautical miles, targeting initial operational capability by FY2031.
Help GPS resiliency against Russia with this one simple change
Russian satellites have been interfering with GPS signals across northern Europe, Greenland, and Canada since 2019, indicating the use of electronic warfare. This interference has also affected China's Bei Dou navigation system since 2020. The U.S. government has not established backup systems for GPS, despite the growing threat from Russia, which has a history of threatening to disrupt GPS services globally.
The F-22 Was Supposed to Retire When Its Replacement Arrived. Instead America Is Rebuilding It Into the F-47’s Pathfinder
The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor, integrating advanced technologies and potentially upgrading 32 training-only Block 20 jets to combat status. This modernization includes new stealth fuel tanks and an Infrared Defensive System, with a budget of $90.34 million for FY2026. The F-22 is being utilized as a testbed for the upcoming F-47 fighter, ensuring that new capabilities are proven before their implementation.
U.S. Navy funds a robotic submarine built to secretly lay mines
The U.S. Navy awarded a $14 million contract modification to General Dynamics for the development of the MEDUSA robotic submarine, designed to covertly lay mines from submarines. This system, launched from a torpedo tube, is intended to enhance naval capabilities in contested waters. The contract modification reflects the Navy's ongoing commitment to developing this new mine-laying technology, with early testing indicating significant progress in its operational capabilities.
Lockheed Martin’s $502M deal supports Apache night vision
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $502 million contract for ongoing support services for the M-TADS/PNVS system, which is critical for the AH-64 Apache helicopters. This contract, structured as a sole source acquisition, will ensure the maintenance and functionality of the system through July 5, 2031, supporting the Army's operational capabilities in various environments.
Canada’s Type 212CD Submarine Purchase from Germany Was Correct. Now Ottawa Needs to Decide What to Do With Them
Canada selected Germany's TKMS as the preferred supplier for the Type 212CD submarines to enhance its naval capabilities. This decision aims to address the country's defense needs in the Arctic and North Atlantic, with the first four submarines expected by 2034. The report highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive strategy to support this procurement.
The U.S. Navy Almost Bought an Aircraft Carrier Version of the F-15 Instead of the F-14. One Missile Killed the Idea
The U.S. Navy evaluated the F-15N Sea Eagle as a potential carrier-based aircraft in the 1970s but rejected it due to its inability to carry the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, critical for fleet defense. The Navy ultimately chose the F-14 Tomcat, which offered unmatched capabilities for protecting carrier battle groups against Soviet threats. McDonnell Douglas attempted to modify the F-15N to meet naval specifications, but the project was ultimately terminated.
US Army tests autonomous mass minelaying
The U.S. Army tested the Autonomous Volcano mine dispenser at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in May 2023. The system can autonomously lay two minefields, covering 32 acres with up to 960 mines, without human assistance. This testing represents a modernization effort to enhance combat engineering capabilities, developed in collaboration with the U.K. The Army plans further testing in realistic battlefield scenarios later this month.
