Analysis & Reports

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 of legacy equipment, integrating unmanned systems to enhance combat engineering capabilities. The project was developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom and aims to improve battlefield operations.

The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated the AGM-15AC Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with B-1B Lancer bombers during a validation test at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2022. This new capability enhances the bombers' maritime combat effectiveness, potentially allowing for strikes against Chinese naval forces. The Air Force plans to acquire 114 LRASMs to bolster its operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lockheed Martin proposed an upgraded F-35 fighter jet, the 'Ferrari' F-35, which integrates sixth-generation technology. This proposal comes as the U.S. Air Force is already funding a new sixth-generation fighter and modernizing the F-22. The F-35's current Block 4 upgrade is significantly over budget and delayed, raising concerns about the feasibility of additional upgrades. The overall F-35 program is projected to exceed $2 trillion in costs.

A tailless, cranked-kite aircraft, likely a demonstrator for the F-47 fighter, was photographed flying over Area 51 at night. Experts suggest this indicates that the U.S. Air Force's sixth-generation program is advancing into flight testing, amid competition with China. The aircraft's design is reminiscent of the X-36 experimental program, optimized for supersonic cruise using advanced engines.

Canada announced the selection of TKMS as the preferred supplier for its largest defense procurement project, the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, on July 6. The project involves the purchase of up to 12 new submarines to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines, with a total value potentially reaching 100 billion CAD. The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, enhancing Canada's naval capabilities in the Arctic and coastal regions.

The U.S. Air Force completed the conversion of the B-1B Lancer from a nuclear-capable bomber to a conventional aircraft by 2011, following a two-stage process initiated in the 1990s. This involved removing nuclear arming hardware and modifying the aircraft to prevent future nuclear capability. Russian inspectors now annually verify that the B-1B fleet remains disarmed, confirming compliance with arms control treaties.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its B-52 fleet, upgrading all 76 aircraft with new Rolls-Royce F130 engines and AESA radar, while retiring the B-1B Lancer and B-2 Spirit bombers. This modernization effort, estimated at $48.6 billion, aims to extend the B-52's service life into the 2050s, showcasing the Air Force's strategy of upgrading proven designs instead of developing new aircraft.

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed support for Turkey's potential re-entry into the F-35 program during a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan in Ankara. He indicated that the U.S. would consider reversing previous sanctions related to Turkey's procurement of the Russian S-400 system. However, Congressional restrictions remain in place regarding the transfer of F-35s to Turkey, which has six jets currently in storage in the U.S.

Canada has decided to acquire 12 Type-212CD submarines from TKMS, with the first expected delivery in 2033. This procurement, valued at up to 100 billion Canadian dollars, aims to enhance Canada's military capabilities in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The decision reflects a strategic shift in defense policy, emphasizing the importance of underwater presence in regional security.

Dr. Klaus WeberTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

The U.S. Air Force awarded Lockheed Martin a $142.9 million contract for software sustainment services for the C-5M Super Galaxy. This contract ensures the aircraft's software remains current and operationally capable through May 20, 2032. The C-5M, capable of carrying significant cargo, plays a vital role in U.S. military logistics and operations.

The Pentagon awarded a $500 million contract to L3Harris Technologies to sustain specialized HALO aircraft for missile defense tests. This contract, effective from September 15, 2026, to September 14, 2036, includes the operation and maintenance of aircraft equipped with advanced sensors to monitor missile intercepts. L3Harris, a major defense contractor, will ensure the aircraft remain operational for critical national security assessments.

Firefighters at Hill Air Force Base demonstrated the capabilities of the Polaris DAGOR, an off-road firefighting vehicle, during a live-fire training exercise in June. The vehicle, equipped with the Ward Mobile Airfield Rescue Kit, allows for rapid response to aircraft mishaps and wildland fires in rugged terrain. This new equipment enhances operational readiness for the 775th Civil Engineer Squadron, ensuring effective emergency response in challenging environments.

Canada announced the selection of Germany's Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to build a new fleet of up to 12 Type 212CD submarines at Canadian Forces Base Halifax. This decision marks the largest defense procurement in Canadian history, aimed at replacing the aging Victoria-class submarines. The new submarines will enhance Canada's underwater surveillance capabilities and are designed for stealth operations under the Arctic ice.

Canada selected TKMS to build 12 new submarines, with the announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney on July 6, 2023, in Victoria, British Columbia. The project, estimated to cost up to $70 billion, aims to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines of the Royal Canadian Navy, with the first delivery expected in 2033. Negotiations with TKMS will commence soon, and a contract is anticipated by the end of the year.

On July 6, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the selection of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as the preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, aiming to procure up to 12 modern submarines. This initiative is part of Canada's largest defense procurement project in history, intended to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines. The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, with contract negotiations to be finalized by the end of 2027.

On July 7, 2026, the People's Liberation Army Navy conducted a training missile launch from a nuclear submarine in the West Pacific at 12:01 PM. The missile successfully landed in a designated area, marking the first known submarine-launched missile test by China since 1982. The Chinese government characterized the event as a routine military training exercise, emphasizing compliance with international law.

Li MinghuiTue Jul 07 2026Loading...

Canada has selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the preferred supplier for its next-generation submarine fleet, with negotiations set to begin. This procurement is expected to be the largest in Canadian history, with plans to reserve costs for 12 submarines in the federal budget. The contract is anticipated to be signed by the end of 2027, and the first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034.

Thales announced its acquisition of a controlling stake in Exail Technologies, a French maritime drone maker, as part of its expansion in undersea warfare. Concurrently, Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilder, revealed plans to acquire four underwater technology firms for about €600 million. These strategic moves aim to enhance capabilities in the underwater domain and strengthen technological sovereignty in Europe.

Canada has selected Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build a new fleet of up to a dozen Type 212CD submarines, replacing the aging Victoria-class submarines. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the decision in Halifax, Nova Scotia, stating it would be the largest defense procurement in Canadian history. The contract is estimated to be worth between $20 billion and $30 billion, with the first four submarines expected to be delivered by 2034.

The U.S. Navy has begun construction on the USS John F. Lehman (DDG-137) at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Pascagoula. The production of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers continues as the DDG(X) program faces delays, with procurement now unlikely until the 2030s. Congress is pushing for the continued development of the DDG(X) while maintaining the production of Flight III destroyers, which remain critical to U.S. naval capabilities.