Analysis & Reports

Kongsberg signed a NOK 1.1 billion contract with General Dynamics Land Systems–Canada for the delivery of the PROTECTOR RS4. This contract indicates a significant procurement of military equipment by Canada.

The U.S. Army awarded ThinKom Solutions a $49 million contract to develop and test a mobile high-power microwave weapon designed to counter drones. The prototype, named Alecto, will undergo field testing in 2027 and aims to provide non-kinetic options against unmanned aircraft. The system will be integrated with government-designated sensors and fire-control systems, targeting smaller classes of drones.

South Korean Defense Minister An Kyung-duk estimated North Korea possesses 80-120 nuclear warheads during a parliamentary session on August 20, 2023. This estimate contrasts sharply with former President Trump's claim of 57 warheads, highlighting a significant discrepancy in assessments between South Korea and the U.S. The differing figures raise concerns about military strategy and alliance dynamics in the region.

Tanaka TakashiThu Aug 20 2026Loading...

Arcfield is preparing for a satellite launch in September and is exploring the manufacturing of specialized glass components for optical sensors and laser communications in Huntsville, Alabama. The company aims to enhance its production capabilities to support military applications and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. Additionally, Germany is investing in space defense projects and has rebranded its air force to include space operations.

German Eurofighter Typhoons achieved simulated 'kills' against U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors during the 2012 Red Flag 12-2 exercise in Alaska. The exercise demonstrated the capabilities of both aircraft in close-range dogfighting, with German pilots claiming they could outclass the F-22 under certain conditions. Despite the notional victories, the F-22 maintains a high mission success rate and is recognized for its advanced combat capabilities.

In the 1970s, the U.S. Navy explored the development of medium aircraft carriers (CVV) as a cost-effective alternative to supercarriers. This initiative received support from Presidents Ford and Carter but was ultimately abandoned in favor of larger Nimitz-class carriers under President Reagan. The CVV was designed to displace 50-60,000 tons and accommodate up to 65 aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat.

The U.S. Navy evaluated the navalized F-117N Seahawk in 1984 but ultimately rejected it due to cost and versatility concerns. Lockheed Martin later proposed the F-35C Stealth Fighter, which entered service in 2019, fulfilling the Navy's need for a carrier-capable stealth aircraft. The F-117, while never used by the Navy, had a significant operational history with the Air Force, particularly during the Gulf War.

The B-21 Raider completed its maiden flight on November 10, 2023, at Edwards AFB, California. The U.S. Air Force plans to procure at least 100 B-21 bombers, with Congress approving $10.3 billion for the program. Current production is estimated at 7-8 aircraft per year, raising concerns about meeting future operational needs against potential threats.

The Avro Canada VZ-9AV Avrocar was developed in the 1950s as an experimental aircraft for the U.S. Armed Forces, originating from Canada. Two prototypes were built, but the project was canceled in 1961 due to performance issues. The aircraft is now displayed at the National Museum of the United States Air Force and under restoration at the U.S. Army Transportation Museum.

The U.S. Army is developing an AI layer for its Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) architecture, with Striveworks leading the effort. This initiative aims to enhance data processing capabilities at the corps level, set to roll out next year, focusing on operations in the Pacific. The AI tools will enable faster decision-making by compressing extensive battlefield data into actionable information, supporting I Corps in fiscal 2027.

Canada is debating the purchase of 88 F-35 fighter jets from the U.S., with a budget now set at C$27.7 billion. The Canadian Armed Forces are considering other options, including Gripen jets, amid ongoing discussions about U.S.-Canada relations. The CF-18 fleet is set to retire by 2032, and Ottawa has already approved funding for 16 F-35s.

Air Force security teams at F.E. Warren Air Force Base are seeking to train with six refurbished DJI drones to prepare for potential threats. This procurement is deemed essential for the 90th Missile Security Operations Squadron to effectively counter the most likely adversarial drone technologies. The Air Force's directive permits this purchase to enhance training against prevalent drone threats in modern warfare.

The Defense Department's Golden Dome Office in Washington has repeatedly denied the Congressional Budget Office's requests for briefings on its missile defense plans. The CBO estimates the program could cost up to $1.2 trillion, while the Pentagon disputes these figures, claiming they are based on outdated technology. The fiscal 2027 budget includes $17.5 billion for the Golden Dome initiative, which aims to defend against advanced missile threats.

The USS Long Beach, commissioned on September 9, 1961, served as the first nuclear-powered surface combatant in the U.S. Navy, equipped with advanced missile systems for air defense and anti-submarine warfare. It operated with a crew of 1,160 and was involved in significant military engagements, including the Vietnam War. The cruiser was decommissioned on May 1, 1995, after over three decades of service, leaving a legacy that influenced future naval designs.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating a redesign of Ford-class aircraft carriers to move the ship's island forward, influenced by directives from the Trump administration. This change aims to make modern carriers resemble WWII Essex-class carriers, despite the significant costs and operational implications involved. Additionally, there is a push to replace the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) with traditional steam catapults, which would also require extensive redesign efforts.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced a new policy on August 10, 2023, expanding healthcare access for tens of thousands of Reserve and National Guard troops. This change addresses a loophole highlighted by a class action lawsuit, allowing service members to receive six months of healthcare coverage and reimbursements for past out-of-pocket expenses. The policy aims to include those activated under federal contingency operations, retroactively benefiting those denied coverage since April 2020.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced on August 10, 2023, an expansion of healthcare access for tens of thousands of Reserve and National Guard troops following a class action lawsuit. The new policy allows retroactive eligibility for healthcare coverage under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for service members who served long active duty stints. This change addresses previous denials based on administrative coding requirements and includes troops activated for various missions since April 2020.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced an expansion of healthcare access for tens of thousands of Reserve and National Guard troops following a class action lawsuit. Effective August 10, 2023, the new policy allows retroactive eligibility for healthcare coverage under the Transitional Assistance Management Program (TAMP) for service members who served long active duty orders. This change addresses previous administrative coding issues that denied benefits to eligible personnel.

The U.S. and South Korea reduced the duration of their joint military drills from 11 to 5 days, now scheduled to end on August 21, 2023. This decision follows President Trump's directive to scale back U.S. participation, citing a desire to improve relations with North Korea. North Korea's Kim Yo Jong criticized the drills as still aggressive, while China engaged in regional security discussions during this period.

South Korea's defense ministry announced the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise with the US will be curtailed from August 17 to August 21, 2023, following President Trump's criticism of the drills as hostile towards North Korea. Trump ordered the reduction in scope and expressed dissatisfaction with South Korea's financial contributions for US protection. Despite the changes, North Korea continued to condemn the exercise, threatening military responses.