Not all technologies, platforms, or doctrines are equal—and context determines value. This sub-magazine delivers disciplined, criteria-driven comparisons to assess what works, what doesn’t, and why.
IDST Intelligence Briefings
Side-by-side system comparisons, performance envelopes, cost–capability trade-offs, and operational relevance.
Why This Sub-Magazine Exists
Marketing narratives, national bias, and hype distort perception. This sub-magazine exists to apply structured evaluation frameworks grounded in operational reality and constraints.
What We Track
- Performance vs mission fit
- Cost, sustainment, and scalability
- Export vs domestic configurations
- Maturity, readiness, and upgrade paths
Latest Analysis & Intelligence
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DARPA’s XQ-73 SHEPARD Program: A Revolutionary Hybrid Electric Propulsion Aircraft
Introduction The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has unveiled an ambitious new initiative—the Series Hybrid Electric Propulsion AiRcraft Demonstration (SHEPARD) program, designated as the XQ-73. This “X-prime” program builds upon previous advancements from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) under the Great Horned Owl (GHO) project, which…
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India’s Defence Indigenization: Progress, Policies, and the Path Ahead
India’s quest for defence indigenization has transitioned from aspiration to execution, guided by strategic foresight, national pride, and an urgent need to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. This movement is rooted in the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), aiming to develop a robust, innovative, and export-ready defence industrial base. As geopolitical threats evolve and technology…
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China’s Ascent as a Global Space Power: Dominating Commercial and Military Satellite Launches and Beyond
China has rapidly evolved from a minor participant to a dominant force in the global space arena. Surpassing all other nations in satellite launches and expanding both its military and commercial space capabilities at breakneck speed, Beijing is fundamentally reshaping the 21st-century space race—and directly challenging U.S. dominance in orbit. China’s Unmatched Launch Dominance Record-Breaking…
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Shaping a New Future: Top Emerging Technologies of 2025 and Beyond
Shaping Tomorrow: The Top Emerging Technologies of 2025 Powering Sustainability and Innovation Discover how AI, bioprinting, green hydrogen, digital twins, and cutting-edge connectivity solutions are converging to solve global challenges and redefine our future. As we advance further into the digital age, technological innovation is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, driving profound changes across industries,…
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On-Aircraft Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) Capability for Tankers and Transport Aircraft
As military aviation evolves, tankers and transport aircraft remain critical assets in logistics and combat support operations. However, these large, slow-moving platforms are increasingly vulnerable to threats posed by small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). The emergence of drone warfare, especially the use of swarms and autonomous systems, necessitates a robust on-aircraft Counter-sUAS (C-sUAS) capability to…
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The 3D Printing Race in Space: On-Orbit Manufacturing of Satellite Components for Exploration and Security
3D Printing in Space: How In-Orbit Manufacturing is Changing Exploration and Defense Discover how space-based 3D printing is revolutionizing exploration and military security, building the future layer by layer. The space frontier is evolving rapidly—and so is the way we build for it. As humanity prepares for deeper and longer missions in space, the next…
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China’s AG600 “Kunlong” Enters Mass Production, Accelerating PLA Amphibious Capabilities
Strategic Milestone Achieved China has reached a significant milestone in military aviation with the mass production of the AG600 “Kunlong” amphibious aircraft. Developed by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), the AG600 received its production certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China in April 2025. This certification marks a turning point in China’s…
Related Domains & Cross-Cutting Themes
Defense • Security • Industry & Markets • Strategy & Governance
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