Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force selected General Atomics and Anduril to develop the first Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) and awarded contracts for autonomy software to Anduril, Shield AI, and RTX. The program aims to produce over 150 aircraft by the end of the decade, with a combat radius of 700 nautical miles. Approximately $1.4 billion is requested for development in fiscal year 2027.

The U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray has received Milestone C approval and is entering Low-Rate Initial Production at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. This unmanned aerial refueling aircraft is designed to extend the range of carrier-based fighters. The Navy plans to acquire over 70 units, with the program expected to exceed $15 billion.

The M60A3 tank, produced from 1978 to 1997, served as a key military asset for the U.S. Army, featuring advanced upgrades like a thermal sight that surpassed early M1 Abrams capabilities. A total of 1,052 units were built, and the tank played a significant role in Cold War operations and the Gulf War. Although retired from U.S. service, the M60A3 remains operational in various countries, showcasing its enduring legacy in armored warfare.

BAE Systems secured a $535 million contract to manufacture additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army in the United States.

The U.S. Army plans to release proposal requests for the ISV-Heavy in the fourth quarter of 2023, aiming to accelerate its fielding as a mobile energy source. The Army seeks approximately 606 heavy ISVs, with 34 to be procured in fiscal 2027. GM Defense is expected to compete with its Silverado HD 3500 for the contract, which is anticipated to be awarded in September 2027.

The U.S. Navy is developing the SSN(X), a next-generation attack submarine, but its procurement has been delayed from 2031 to 2040 due to budget constraints and production issues. The Navy continues to prioritize the Virginia-class submarines, which are currently in production. The SSN(X) is expected to cost up to $8.7 billion each, raising concerns about the Navy's ability to deliver new classes of warships on time and within budget.

The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team conducted a successful robotic combined arms breach exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in April. The exercise utilized dozens of PBAS drones and two unmanned ground vehicles to simulate attacks on enemy defenses, aiming to protect infantry soldiers. Col. Ryan Bell emphasized the need for improved drone capabilities and production scaling to enhance future operations.

The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division conducted a robotic combined arms breach exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana in April. The exercise utilized dozens of PBAS drones and two UGVs to simulate defeating enemy defenses, successfully demonstrating the potential to protect infantry by neutralizing threats with unmanned systems. Col. Ryan Bell emphasized the need for improved capabilities and production scaling for future operations.

The Pentagon awarded Alloy Surfaces Company a $300 million contract modification on June 12, 2023, for the continued production of infrared decoy flares to protect military aircraft from heat-seeking missiles. This contract increases the total value to $328.8 million and extends production until March 30, 2031. The flares are essential for countering the growing threat of MANPADS, which have become more unpredictable due to advancements in drone technology.

Divergent Technologies will begin 3D printing components for the Tomahawk cruise missile at a new facility in Long Beach, California, aiming for production to start in the first half of next year. The 430,000 square-foot factory will have the capacity to produce 30,000 missile airframes or 60,000 warhead casings annually, significantly increasing production capabilities for defense contracts. Divergent has secured a contract with Raytheon to supply parts for the missile.

The U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers, with plans to decommission all remaining ships by fiscal 2027 due to high maintenance costs and aging infrastructure. Congress mandated a $3.7 billion modernization effort, which largely failed, resulting in significant waste. The Ticonderoga-class cruisers, known for their heavy armament, will leave a gap in U.S. missile capacity as no direct replacements are available in the near term.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems was awarded a U.S. Army contract on June 15, 2026, to demonstrate a long-range maneuvering 155 mm projectile under the Extended Range Artillery Projectile program. This projectile aims to achieve greater ranges while maintaining precision in GPS-degraded environments, with an Initial Operational Capability targeted for fiscal year 2030. The project includes advanced features such as deployable wings and guidance systems, enhancing the Army's long-range precision fire capabilities.

A 60-day agreement between the United States and Iran was established on June 17, 2026, concerning oil exports and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement raises military readiness concerns among Gulf states, as Iran's missile capabilities and proxy networks remain a threat. Gulf states are urged to enhance military coordination and readiness during this period, as the U.S. Navy's role alone is deemed insufficient for maritime security.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jun 17 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy is developing 12 Columbia-class submarines to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet, ensuring the U.S. maintains its nuclear deterrent. These submarines will carry 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and are designed for stealth, making them difficult to detect. The first strategic patrol is targeted for around 2031, as the U.S. faces increasing competition from China's advancing submarine capabilities.

The U.S. Army is fielding the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system, capable of striking targets over 1,700 miles away in 15 to 20 minutes. A request for deployment to the Middle East has been made, potentially for use against Iran. The system is designed to counter advanced air defenses and represents a significant advancement in U.S. military capabilities. Fielding activities began in December 2025, with operational capability anticipated shortly.

The U.S. Air Force is extending the operational life of the B-1B Lancer bomber until 2037, integrating hypersonic and standoff missiles to enhance its capabilities. The External Heavy-Stores Pylon program will allow the B-1B to carry additional munitions, including the AGM-183A hypersonic missile and the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile. This decision reflects the need for increased bomber capacity in the Pacific region as the B-21 Raider is gradually introduced.

Mach Industries received a contract from the Defense Innovation Unit to develop the Atlas drone under the RIMES program in Washington. The drone is intended for long-range strikes and can operate from ships without large flight decks, featuring a range of at least 1,400 nautical miles and the capability to carry 1,000-pound munitions. The project will utilize Whisper Aero’s JetFoil propulsion system.

NASA utilized two F-16XL aircraft for advanced aeronautical research at Edwards Air Force Base in the late 1980s and 1990s. The F-16XL, developed by General Dynamics, was a prototype that featured enhanced range and payload capabilities but never entered military service. It was involved in various research projects, including studies on supersonic flight efficiency.

A B-52H bomber crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards Air Force Base, California, on November 15, 2023, killing all 8 personnel on board. This incident marks the second military aircraft crash in three days. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation, with findings expected in approximately six months.

A midair collision in July 2025 caused the refueling boom of a KC-46A Pegasus tanker to be ripped off during a training flight while refueling F-22s. The incident was attributed to excessive force applied by the boom operator and a known flaw in the refueling system. The accident resulted in nearly $10 million in damages and highlighted ongoing issues with the KC-46's fuel system.