Project Updates

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Equipment type: Loitering attack munition

Manufacturer: Zala Aero Group 

Location: Russia 

Operators: Russia, Iran (analogue version) 

Programme value: Unknown

Lancet is a one-way attack munition developed by Zala Aero Group, a subsidiary of Kalashnikov Concernt. It features dual X-shaped wing sets affixed to the fuselage. In April 2024, Iran’s IRGC built a drone based on the Lancet. Since 2016, the Russian Army employed more than 2,000 units within the Strategic Defense Forces in Syria and Ukraine, as of July 2024.

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Equipment type: Crewed aircraft 

Manufacturer: Scaled Composites 

Location: US 

Operators: US 

Programme value: Unknown

Model 437 Vanguard is an attritable, stealthy, low-cost aircraft concept built by Scaled Composites. Conceived in 2021 as a combat air drone. Now a crewed concept, its maiden flight occurred in August 2024. Northrup Grumman, the parent company, crafted detachable wing sections using digital tools which cut revisions to one percent, down from 15-20% with conventional processes.

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Equipment type: Aircraft carrier 

Manufacturer: HII, Newport News Shipbuilding 

Location: US

Operators: US

Programme value: $120bn

There are four Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. The US Navy plans to expand the fleet to replace its 10 Nimitz-class carriers. The first of the class, CVN 78, entered service in 2017. In September 2024, QinetiQ US secured a contract to provide support for the electromagnetic aircraft launch system and advanced arrestor gear on USS Doris Miller (CVN 81).