Analysis & Reports
AI-assisted analysis of military-related information from public sources
Video purportedly shows Ukrainian unit running down Russian Shahed. The US is paying attention.
A Ukrainian drone unit released a video showing Merops interceptors targeting Iranian-designed Shahed drones. The U.S. Army is developing its own version of the interceptor as part of a new program initiated on June 23. Merops interceptors have been effective in downing Russian drones, with over 4,000 confirmed kills in Ukraine.
Lockheed Martin gets $104 million for Spanish Navy F-100 frigate upgrade
Lockheed Martin was awarded a $104 million contract on June 26, 2026, to begin upgrades on Spain's Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates. The contract focuses on long-lead material procurement and early engineering work, primarily conducted at Lockheed Martin's facilities in Moorestown, New Jersey, and Madrid, Spain. This upgrade aims to enhance the frigates' combat systems and ensure they remain effective in modern naval operations.
Lockheed Martin wins $3B U.S. Army contract for Sentinel A4 radar
The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $3 billion contract for the production of additional AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel A4 radars and engineering services. This contract, which runs through June 29, 2031, aims to enhance the Army's air defense capabilities by providing advanced radar systems designed to detect and track various airborne threats. The production will take place at Lockheed Martin's facility in Liverpool, New York.
The Gunless U.S. Navy Fighter That Got Shot Up Over Vietnam — and Forced the Navy to Create TOPGUN
The U.S. Navy's F-4 Phantom II faced significant challenges in air combat during the Vietnam War, leading to the establishment of the TOPGUN training program to enhance fighter tactics. The Ault Report revealed performance deficiencies, prompting a reevaluation of training and tactics. Notably, Lt. Randall Cunningham and Lt. j.g. William Driscoll became the first aces of the Vietnam War while flying the F-4 Phantom II.
Tobyhanna Depot boosts drone component production with new assembly lines
The U.S. Army is scaling up drone component production at Tobyhanna Army Depot, launching a new brushless motor assembly line capable of producing 200,000 motors initially and up to 1,500 motors daily. A circuit card assembly line is also being established, aiming for one million cards per day by fiscal 2027. This initiative is part of the Army's advanced manufacturing strategy to enhance domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly from China.
The Saturn V remains the largest and most powerful rocket ever flown, so violent at liftoff that its first launch shattered ceiling tiles in a control room three miles away — and more than half a century after it carried astronauts to the Moon, nothing humanity has built has matched it.
NASA launched the Saturn V rocket multiple times to the moon between 1967 and 1973 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The rocket, known for its immense power, was pivotal in the U.S. Space Race against the Soviet Union. Its development was influenced by military objectives during the Cold War, with Dr. Wernher von Braun playing a crucial role in its design.
The US Army goes into the breach — without soldiers
The Oregon Army National Guard tested the Mule 28 heavy-lift drone at the Orchard Combat Training Center in Idaho to breach enemy obstacles using a Bangalore torpedo. This innovative approach aims to reduce the high casualty rates associated with traditional breaching methods. The trial reflects the Army's ongoing efforts to integrate drone technology into military operations, inspired by tactics observed in the Ukraine conflict.
Recent DoD changes risk fielding weapons with hidden problems, watchdog warns
The Department of Defense (DoD) has undergone significant restructuring of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) office, reducing its staff from 126 to 30 positions since May 2025. This has led to decreased oversight of weapon systems, with 90 programs removed from the oversight list, raising concerns about the delivery of weapons with undocumented operational shortfalls. The changes aim to save $300 million annually and enhance efficiency but have resulted in expertise gaps in critical areas.
SOCOM is seeking a long-range kamikaze drone
U.S. Special Operations Command is seeking to develop a long-range kamikaze drone with a range of at least 75 nautical miles and a loiter time of 40 minutes. The Request For Information was issued on June 26, with a response deadline of July 27. The drone will be launched from fixed-wing aircraft and is intended for evaluation on the AC-130J Ghostrider or another SOF platform.
Overland AI nets Marine Corps autonomous ground vehicle contract
Overland AI has been awarded a $20 million contract to produce autonomous ground vehicles for the US Marine Corps in Washington. These vehicles will support the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) and are expected to enhance operational capabilities. The first vehicle is slated for delivery in about nine months, with initial use focused on resupply missions.
China Shows Its Sixth-Generation Fighter Refueling for the First Time: The YY-20 Tanker Extending Its Pacific Reach
China showcased its YY-20 aerial tanker refueling a sixth-generation fighter for the first time in official media, marking a significant advancement in its military aviation capabilities. The YY-20 can carry about 90 tons of fuel, enhancing China's aerial refueling capacity. Analysts noted this development as a strategic move to project air power further into the Pacific, with the sixth-generation fighter expected to enter service in the early 2030s. The PLA's tanker fleet has rapidly expanded, indicating a shift in operational strategy.
US Army awards $3bn FY26 GMLRS rocket contract to Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin was awarded a $3 billion contract by the US Army for the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, set for fiscal year 2026.
U.S. Army buys more of its toughest Arctic combat vehicle
The U.S. Army awarded a $35 million contract modification to BAE Systems for additional production of Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles (CATVs) on June 30, 2026. The 11th Airborne Division, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, will primarily receive these vehicles, which are designed for Arctic operations. This contract continues the Army's investment in Arctic mobility amid growing strategic competition in the region.
AEVEX wins $50M deal for GPS-resistant strike drones
AEVEX Corp. secured a $50 million contract from the U.S. Air Force on June 30, 2026, to enhance unmanned mission-support capabilities with GPS-resistant strike drones. The contract aims to develop a long-range precision strike platform suitable for contested environments. This initiative reflects a strategic shift in military operations towards the use of autonomous systems capable of operating without GPS.
The F-35 Fighter Didn’t Surpass the F-22 Raptor – It Was Never Meant To
The U.S. Air Force continues to utilize both the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighters, with ongoing debates about their respective capabilities. The F-35 is seen as an advanced information warfare platform, while the F-22 retains superiority in air combat. Recent assessments highlight the F-35's low combat readiness and significant cost overruns, contrasting with the F-22's continuous upgrades and performance in beyond-visual-range engagements.
U.S. Air Force spends $471M to fix tanker parts supply problem
The U.S. Air Force awarded $471 million in contracts to 28 companies on June 24, 2026, to enhance the exchange and repair of KC-46 Pegasus tanker parts. This initiative aims to address persistent supply issues affecting the aerial refueling fleet, which is vital for military operations. The contracts will improve parts availability and support a broader readiness campaign, with the goal of increasing fleet readiness by over 20 percent by 2030.
U.S. Navy orders $312M more of its anti-missile jamming system
Northrop Grumman secured a $312 million contract from the U.S. Navy on June 24, 2026, to produce additional Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block 3 systems. This contract expands the production of advanced electronic jamming technology for destroyers, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships, with completion expected by August 2029. The SEWIP Block 3 system enhances the Navy's electronic warfare capabilities, allowing ships to jam incoming missile guidance systems.
L3Harris wins $614M deal to keep elite aircraft safe from missiles
L3Harris Technologies secured a $614 million contract from U.S. Special Operations Command on June 29, 2026, for logistics support of the AN/ALQ-211 electronic warfare system. This system protects U.S. Special Operations aircraft from radar-guided missiles and is integrated into platforms like the CV-22 Osprey and MH-47G Chinook. The contract reflects a long-standing relationship between L3Harris and U.S. Special Operations Command, ensuring the system remains effective against evolving radar threats.
GuideTech wins $2.3M deal for tech inside a new drone-killer
GuideTech secured a $2.3 million contract with an unnamed defense contractor to provide technology for a low-cost kinetic counter-UAS interceptor system on June 29, 2026. The contract includes the BRAIN flight computer and FLEX flight software, which are designed to enhance drone interception capabilities. This development is part of a broader trend in U.S. defense procurement focusing on affordable solutions to counter drone threats.
Marine Corps inks first contract for autonomous ground vehicle production
The Marine Corps has contracted Overland AI for the production of over a dozen autonomous ground vehicles, expected to be delivered by early 2027. These vehicles will enhance resupply missions and support counterdrone operations as part of the Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems program. The technology allows for full autonomy and remote operation, addressing the increasing demand for uncrewed ground vehicles in military operations.
