Anduril, a defense tech firm, has released a mission document, Rebooting the Arsenal of Democracy, advocating a shift from traditional defense contractors to tech-focused companies like itself. The document critiques legacy giants like Lockheed Martin as outdated and calls for streamlined Pentagon procurement processes that prioritize agile, innovative firms. Anduril argues that civilian technologies, such as AI in Teslas and computer vision in Snapchat, often surpass military systems in efficiency and capability. Proposals include reforms like transparent pricing data to combat price gouging in defense contracts. With significant contributions like unmanned underwater vehicles for the AUKUS pact, Anduril is part […]
Tag: Analysis
The growing effectiveness of air-defence systems could blunt the West’s most powerful weapons
Recent advancements in air defense and drone technology are increasingly challenging Western air superiority, raising concerns among military strategists. Russia’s failure to achieve air superiority in Ukraine has underscored the evolving difficulties of maintaining control of the skies. Sir Richard Knighton, head of the Royal Air Force, acknowledged these challenges, stating that past air supremacy is no longer guaranteed. General David Allvin of the U.S. Air Force emphasized the shift toward achieving brief “windows of dominance” rather than prolonged air superiority. Additionally, the rising costs and delays of advanced air fleets, such as the USAF’s $209 billion-over-budget F-35 program, highlight […]
Europe’s ‘Green’ Agenda Could Be a Godsend to Russia
NATO and defense industry leaders, including BAE Systems, have expressed concerns that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are restricting investments in Europe’s defense sector. Admiral Rob Bauer criticized financial institutions for denying support to defense companies due to moral and ESG concerns, warning this undermines Europe’s military readiness amid rising security threats. BAE Systems and Saab highlighted that ESG restrictions hinder investment in critical skills, technologies, and innovation, while smaller supply chain businesses face even greater financial challenges. Bauer proposed reevaluating credit rating criteria, suggesting defense investments be treated with the same urgency as climate change mitigation. As Europe […]
The US Air Force needs to learn the way of the Finns for the war of 2027
Finland, a NATO member since 2023, has ordered 64 F-35 stealth fighters to replace its aging F/A-18C/D Hornets. Major General Juha-Pekka Keränen emphasized that Finland’s proximity to Russia requires a unique defense strategy, including the use of civilian airfields and highways as airstrips to evade Russian missile strikes. The F-35’s advanced stealth capabilities are seen as vital for air safety, though its high maintenance demands pose challenges for Finland’s austere operational bases. In September, U.S. F-35s successfully landed on Finnish highways, demonstrating the fighter’s adaptability to unconventional locations. This acquisition highlights Finland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring […]
Space Force looks to bulk up against anti-satellite weapons
#analysis The U.S. Space Force is accelerating efforts to counter threats from anti-satellite weapons (ASATs) posed by adversaries like Russia and China, focusing on modernizing its Space Surveillance Network (SSN) and developing advanced defense systems. Efforts include deploying hundreds of smaller, cost-effective satellites in low-Earth orbit to enhance resilience and tracking, while new systems like the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) aim to bolster deep-space monitoring. Partnerships with private industry are being expanded to integrate commercial satellite capabilities into military networks, leveraging innovation for defense. Challenges remain, including outdated infrastructure, funding constraints, and the growing complexity of space threats, […]
Reassessing ‘Saint Javelin’: Crunching Anti-Tank Missile Numbers
#analysis The ‘Saint Javelin’ meme, depicting a Madonna figure holding a U.S. missile launcher, has popularized the Javelin anti-tank missile as a symbol of American aid to Ukraine. While celebrated for its effectiveness against Russian tanks, the Javelin’s real impact appears limited, with data suggesting a far lower kill rate than its reputation implies. Approximately 45,000 guided missiles from the U.S., UK, and Ukraine’s own stock have been supplied, but only an estimated 20% have led to confirmed tank kills. Other weapons, like FPV kamikaze drones and artillery, have proven more decisive in destroying Russian armor. Given the high costs […]
The US needs to get real about maneuver warfare in space
#analysis Christopher Stone, Senior Fellow at the National Institute for Deterrence Studies, argues for a U.S. shift toward maneuver warfare in space, advocating for the development of space-to-ground weapons (SGWs). Stone criticizes the current defensive posture, proposing more assertive tactics to address threats like China’s anti-access/area-denial capabilities. He highlights China’s advanced space deterrence strategy, which employs “rapid and destructive” maneuvers to assert dominance. Stone suggests that the U.S. Space Force should evolve from a support role to a primary offensive force to retain strategic superiority. He envisions the Space Force as providing a “decisive advantage” over enemy ground forces through […]
Retired Maj. Gen. John G. Ferrari: Political leaders need to stop standing in the way of defense innovation
#analysis Retired Maj. Gen. John G. Ferrari observed that the AUSA 2024 conference highlighted the rising influence of startups and tech firms in the defense industry. He noted that while traditional defense giants like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon remain dominant, new entrants aim to reshape military procurement. Despite this momentum, startups encounter significant barriers, including complex Congressional appropriation processes and outdated Pentagon procurement rules. Ferrari emphasized the need for incoming political leaders to support defense innovation through systemic reforms. He argues that the next administration should prioritize devolving power to modernize the defense procurement landscape. Original news
New Data Shows a Rapidly Expanding Space Workforce
#analysis The global space industry is expanding rapidly, adding over 26,000 jobs between 2022 and 2023, particularly in countries like the US, Japan, India, and across Europe. This growth is nearly four times larger than the previous year, reflecting a thriving global space economy that has doubled in size over the last decade. In the US, the commercial space workforce increased by 4.8%, marking its seventh consecutive year of growth. Europe saw even faster growth, with countries like the UK growing its space workforce by 19%, and France, Germany, and Italy following closely behind. India and Japan are shifting from […]
Experts Discuss Ukraine’s Use of Western Military Equipment
#analysis The ongoing war in Ukraine is consuming Western-supplied tanks and fighter jets as Ukrainian forces employ them in high-risk, high-reward strategies, according to military experts. They argue that the West should expect losses if Ukraine uses these assets effectively. Michael Bohnert from RAND Corporation suggests that if weapons like F-16s or Abrams tanks survive the war, they likely weren’t used to their full potential. William Alberque from the Stimson Center adds that using these weapons, even if destroyed, is justified if they help inflict significant losses on Russia. Despite sending older models, Western allies must embrace the risks involved […]
NATO’s European Members Struggling With Rebuilding Militaries Following Decades Of Drawdowns
#analysis According to a graphic-intensive report from Bloomberg Business, NATO’s European members are increasingly preparing for the possibility of a full-scale land war on their own territory after decades of focusing on counter-insurgency operations. A key concern among Europeans is the potential threat posed by Donald Trump, who has pressured NATO members to increase defense spending, warning that the U.S. may not assist them in a conflict. Trump’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in Washington, transcending party lines, that Europe should build stronger militaries. This view suggests that European nations can no longer rely solely on their mutual defense pact […]
Businesses reposition amid growing demand for solid rocket motors
#analysis After acquiring Aerojet Rocketdyne in July 2024, L3Harris became a significant player in the missile and rocket propulsion market. Ross Niebergall, the new division chief, has been working to streamline production processes and address supply chain bottlenecks, particularly for critical weapons like the Javelin and Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System. The acquisition positions L3Harris to meet the rising global demand for rocket motors, driven by conflicts in regions like Ukraine and the Pacific. Other companies, such as Anduril Industries and X-Bow Systems, are also expanding into the rocket propulsion market, highlighting growing competition and innovation. Analysts predict the market […]
Stealthy Uncrewed Combat Air Vehicle To Work Alongside Future French Rafale Fighters
#analysis France has announced plans to develop a new uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV), intended to complement the forthcoming Rafale F5 fighter as part of the country’s future Air and Space Force. The program, led by Dassault Aviation, builds on the company’s experience with the nEUROn UCAV demonstrator and aims to provide stealth and autonomous capabilities with human oversight. Set for operational readiness by 2033, the drone will enhance France’s technological and operational superiority in air warfare. The new UCAV will operate alongside Rafale F5 fighters, likely contributing to nuclear deterrence and supporting high-risk combat missions. The initiative aligns with […]
Russia’s S-70 Hunter Drone Was Armed When Shot Down By Friendly Fighter Over Ukraine
#analysis Photos of the wreckage of the Russian S-70 Okhotnik-B (Hunter-B) UCAV shot down over Ukraine reveal it was carrying a precision-guided glide bomb, indicating the drone was undergoing operational trials. The drone, potentially a fourth prototype, was shot down by a Russian fighter, likely to prevent sensitive technology from falling into Ukrainian hands. The S-70 was likely testing its performance in a contested environment, possibly engaging Ukrainian targets. This incident underscores the increasing use of advanced unmanned systems like the S-70 in the Ukraine conflict, with its stealth and strike capabilities being of interest to Russia’s military. Despite its […]
Hanwha Aerospace’s Europe land arms sales to double by 2027
#analysis Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense company, expects its European land arms revenue to double by 2027, driven by partnerships to produce arms in customers’ home countries. CEO Son Jae-il emphasized that many European nations now prioritize building domestic defense capabilities alongside purchasing arms. Hanwha has secured major deals with Poland and Romania, including joint production clauses, as part of South Korea’s broader defense export strategy, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company’s order backlog surged to 30.3 trillion won by mid-2023, with exports exceeding domestic sales for the first time this year. Hanwha aims to become a […]