Analysis & Reports

General Atomics was selected by the U.S. Army for the Janus Program to develop the Tactical Energy System (GA-TES), a microreactor designed for military use. The GA-TES will provide reliable power in remote environments and has a baseline output of 5 megawatts electric, scalable to 20 megawatts. Development and testing will occur at Fort Hood, Texas, supporting the Army's energy independence objectives.

The U.S. Army signed a $99 million contract for MOTH devices, small handheld gadgets capable of detecting drones and radio signals. Manufactured by Heaviside Industries in Marina del Rey, California, these devices will be used primarily by soldiers trained in electronic warfare. The contract, which runs through 2031, includes provisions for purchasing, upgrading, and maintaining the devices.

The U.S. military shot down three drones associated with drug trafficking groups using a high-energy laser system at the U.S.-Mexico border on August 25-26. This operation was carried out by the Southern Border Joint Task Force under U.S. Northern Command. The drones posed a personal threat to U.S. military and Customs and Border Protection personnel.

Patria successfully demonstrated the remote operation of a Patria AMV armoured vehicle from Tokyo to Finland on August 25–26, 2023. The event showcased advanced drive-by-wire technology and secure 5G connectivity, enabling real-time situational awareness. Attended by officials from the Japan Ministry of Defence, the demonstration highlighted the vehicle's potential for future unmanned operations and the collaboration between defense technology companies and telecommunications providers.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Fujitsu Limited signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 26, 2026, to establish maintenance and operational support for MQ-9B unmanned aircraft systems in Japan. This collaboration aims to enhance Japan's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, with plans for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to procure 23 MQ-9B aircraft. The agreement focuses on domestic maintenance, operational support, and future technical collaboration.

United Shipbuilding Corporation held a keel-laying ceremony for the new Lada-class submarine named Maloyaroslavets at Admiralty Shipyards this week. This submarine is described as the sixth in the Lada series, designed by Rubin Design Bureau, and represents Russia's most modern non-nuclear submarines currently in production. The design includes advanced features such as a low acoustic signature and a powerful sonar system.

Raytheon expanded its manufacturing facility in Forest, Mississippi, by 17,000 square feet to produce Next Generation Jammer Mid-Band pods for the U.S. Navy and Australia. The $50 million project is expected to create 100 high-skill jobs by 2028, reflecting a commitment to enhancing national defense capabilities. This expansion is part of a broader investment strategy, totaling $280 million over the past decade, to bolster defense manufacturing in the region.

The Philippine Air Force officially received 7 new S-70i Black Hawk helicopters on August 26, 2023, completing the procurement of 32 helicopters. This brings the total fleet to 47 helicopters, enhancing the Air Force's capabilities for various missions. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro highlighted the need for improved infrastructure to support modern military equipment, citing ongoing challenges due to inadequate funding.

Japan's Ministry of Defense is developing a new close-range air defense system (CRADS) to counter drone and missile threats, starting in fiscal year 2027. The system will integrate interception methods such as missiles, cannons, and laser weapons. This initiative addresses the challenges posed by drone swarms and saturation missile attacks, enhancing the capabilities of the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Additionally, a high-power microwave technology project is planned to disable drones.

Europe is accelerating ammunition production to address shortages, particularly in missiles, as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Rheinmetall has secured over 130 million euros in EU funding to expand its production capabilities. The Granada ammunition factory in Spain is identified as a significant asset in this effort. Brussels is taking steps to enhance the production of shells and missiles to meet military needs.

The Harbin ship of the People's Liberation Army Navy was retired on August 28 in Qingdao after over 30 years of service. This retirement marks a significant transition from the 052 class to the more advanced 055 class destroyers, reflecting the Navy's capability to produce modern naval vessels in larger quantities. The Chinese Navy currently operates over 90 modern destroyers and frigates, indicating a shift in focus from individual ship capabilities to a more comprehensive naval fleet structure.

Li MinghuiFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

The UK government authorized the transfer of classified information on SCALP missile components to Ukraine for local assembly, significantly enhancing Ukraine's military capabilities. This decision alters the dynamics of military support and operational planning against Russia, prompting a nervous reaction from Moscow. The local assembly of these missiles could enable Ukraine to conduct sustained long-range strikes, impacting Russian military logistics and operations.

Dmitri VolkovFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. Army is testing the FireAnt uncrewed ground vehicle, which reflects Cold War technology. The Shahed 136 drone, B-21 Bomber, and Typhon system also draw from 1980s designs. These developments indicate a revival of advanced military concepts from that era, now utilizing modern technology and materials.

Taiwan signed a contract for 2032 ALTIUS drones, valued at 26.9 billion New Taiwan dollars, to enhance its military capabilities. The order includes 1554 ALTIUS-700M and 478 ALTIUS-600ISR drones, with deliveries starting in Q4 2023 and continuing until June 2033. This procurement reflects a strategic shift towards a more integrated and systematic approach to drone operations within the Taiwanese Army.

Li MinghuiFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

The People's Liberation Army Navy retired the Harbin ship (112) during a ceremony in Qingdao on August 28, 2023. This Type 052 destroyer, which has been in service since 1994, will now serve as a defense education base in Changsha, Hunan Province. The ship is noted for its advanced capabilities and significant contributions to naval operations over the years.

On August 27, 2023, the U.S. approved the sale of 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and 10 Tactical Guidance Units to South Korea, valued at $125 million. North Korea condemned this decision, viewing it as a new threat amid concerns over U.S.-South Korea military cooperation. The sale aims to bolster South Korea's air defense capabilities and maintain operational readiness with U.S. forces.

Tanaka TakashiFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

The U.S. military in Europe is experiencing a critical shortage of interceptor missiles, particularly the Patriot missile system, which raises concerns about their ability to defend against potential Russian ballistic missile attacks. This shortage is attributed to the transfer of missile stocks to the Middle East in response to the conflict with Iran. NATO officials have confirmed that the inventory of Patriot interceptors is at a low level, limiting defense capabilities against missile threats.

The U.S. Air Force is testing modified F-16 Fighting Falcons for autonomous flight capabilities as part of the VENOM program, a collaboration with DARPA. This initiative aims to integrate AI into aerial combat, allowing pilots to toggle between manual and AI control. The F-16 was selected due to its robust design and existing support infrastructure, facilitating the development of advanced combat AI.

USS Annapolis (SSN 760) conducted a photo exercise off the coast of Guam on December 17, 2025, as part of the U.S. Navy's ongoing operations in the Pacific. The Los Angeles-class submarines, particularly the upgraded 688I variant, have played a crucial role in U.S. naval strategy, with 62 units acquired and 23 upgraded versions in service. These submarines are known for their advanced weapon systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, and their significant influence on subsequent submarine designs.

A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber dropped an AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile on the decommissioned USS Juneau during SINKEX exercises in the Pacific Ocean this summer. This marks the first publicly acknowledged use of the LRASM missile from a B-2. The exercises are part of the U.S. Navy's efforts to enhance anti-ship capabilities and prepare for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.