Analysis & Reports

The F-35 Joint Program Office reported a decline in the full mission capable rate of the F-35 Lightning II to 25% by fiscal 2025, attributed to software delays and parts shortages. The program requires an additional $13.7 billion for sustainment through fiscal 2031, with a goal of achieving an 80% mission capable rate by 2030. GAO identified risks to the Global Support Solution Reset, including reliance on private sector parts production and rising costs.

The Pentagon is considering cutting funding for traditional weapon systems to prioritize the purchase of drones if Congress fails to approve a $350 billion funding package. This decision reflects a strategic shift towards low-cost autonomous systems, as emphasized by the Pentagon's CTO during discussions at the Hudson Institute. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential failure of the reconciliation process, which could impact key modernization efforts.

The U.S. Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) headset program, which produced nearly 10,000 units, has been deemed ineffective and will not be used in combat, with many headsets going into storage. Soldiers reported various health issues while using the headsets, and the program has faced significant delays and cost overruns. The Army is now shifting focus to a new program called Soldier Borne Mission Command.

Boeing announced its exit from the competition for the U.S. Navy's new training jet today, stating that the T-7A Red Hawk does not meet the Navy's requirements. This decision follows Lockheed Martin's withdrawal from the competition. The Navy's request for proposals has been updated to a price cap of $2.7 billion for the new trainer jet, which will replace the T-45 Goshawk fleet.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 NGAD fighter, which is expected to exceed 1,000 nautical miles in combat radius and reach speeds above Mach 2. The program aims to produce over 185 aircraft, with the first flight scheduled for 2028. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance U.S. air superiority amid increasing competition from China, particularly in the Pacific region.

The IRGC launched a dozen ballistic missiles targeting American bases in the Gulf yesterday morning. THAAD missile defense systems have achieved over 90% interception rates against these threats, but the ongoing conflict has severely depleted interceptor stockpiles. Interceptors purchased in 2021 are not expected to arrive until April 2027, raising concerns about the system's readiness.

The United Arab Emirates dispatched eight C-17 military transport aircraft to South Korea to airlift a Cheongung-II air defense battery and interceptor missiles, bypassing the blocked Strait of Hormuz. The operation, confirmed by South Korean military sources, began on June 12, 2023, and is part of an urgent effort to enhance UAE's air defense capabilities amid ongoing regional tensions. This airlift follows previous engagements where existing batteries demonstrated a high intercept success rate.

The U.S. Space Force awarded contracts to Viasat and Intelsat for the production of two PTS-G maneuverable anti-jam satellites, with Viasat's satellite designed for dual-band communications. This initiative aims to enhance secure military communications in response to evolving electronic warfare threats. The contracts, valued at $437.7 million, support the development of advanced satellite systems, with the first launch expected in 2028 and initial operational capability by 2029.

Pyka's DropShip heavy-lift drone successfully demonstrated autonomous precision airdrop capabilities in California on June 11, 2026, delivering multiple 200-pound payloads within 50 feet of the target from an altitude of 300 feet. This drone, designed for military logistics, features a hybrid propulsion system and a ferry range of over 3,500 miles, allowing for flexible and efficient supply delivery in contested environments.

The U.S. Army introduced the M1E3 Abrams tank at the Detroit Auto Show, designed to survive the drone era with an unmanned turret and a three-man crew. Prototypes are set to reach soldiers in summer 2026, featuring advanced protection systems and a hybrid propulsion system. This redesign aims to enhance survivability against modern threats, particularly drones.

Saronic is partnering with Castelion to integrate Blackbeard hypersonic vehicles with Marauder medium unmanned surface vessels, with a demonstration planned for 2027. The partnership marks a significant advancement in military technology, enhancing the U.S. Navy's capabilities. Saronic is also expanding its Louisiana shipyard to support the production of 20 Marauder MUSVs annually, while the U.S. Navy's Task Force 59 has been actively utilizing unmanned vessels in operations.

The Senate Armed Services Committee authorized $1.14 trillion in defense spending for Fiscal Year 2027, establishing a new combatant command for autonomous systems. The bill includes provisions prohibiting defense contractor share buybacks and dividends, and emphasizes the integration of artificial intelligence in military operations. Additionally, it authorizes multiyear procurement for F-35 and F-15EX aircraft, reflecting significant policy changes in defense spending.

On January 7, 1991, the U.S. Navy canceled the A-12 Avenger II program, significantly impacting its long-range strike capabilities. This decision led to the reliance on the F/A-18 Hornet as the primary carrier-based attack aircraft, resulting in a 28-year gap in low-observable naval aviation. The cancellation also affected the U.S. defense industrial base, contributing to the consolidation of military contractors and altering the future of naval aviation strategy.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) successfully conducted integrated air wing operations in the Atlantic Ocean in 2026, validating its advanced systems during combat deployments. The carrier, equipped with technologies like the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG), demonstrates enhanced operational capabilities compared to the Nimitz-class. The USS John F. Kennedy is also progressing through sea trials, with delivery expected by March 2027.

Canada delivered a new batch of Roshel Senator armored vehicles to Ukraine on February 24, 2026, as part of Operation UNIFIER. This delivery includes 383 Senator vehicles and 66 LAV-6 light armored vehicles, enhancing the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Senator MRAP is specifically designed to withstand mine blasts, improving troop survivability in combat conditions. This commitment reflects Canada's ongoing military support and training efforts for Ukraine.

The German Air Force showcased the Eurofighter at ILA 2026, featuring new systems like the Rafael Litening 5 targeting pod and Spice 250 precision munitions. Airbus plans to integrate these systems into the Eurofighter by 2029, enhancing its capabilities for future operations. The KEPD 350 Taurus missile will also be upgraded for the next generation of Eurofighters, set to replace the Tornado ECR fleet by 2030.

The US Army awarded a $106 million contract to L3Harris for the Vehicle-Agnostic Modular Palletised ISR Rocket Equipment (VAMPIRE) anti-drone systems. This contract aims to enhance the Army's capabilities against uncrewed systems.

Northrop Grumman received a $31 million contract modification to sustain Poland's advanced air and missile defense system, with work based in Huntsville, Alabama, and completion expected by December 31, 2029. This contract enhances the WISLA Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System, which integrates the Patriot missile system with the IBCS, making Poland's air defense network one of the most advanced in NATO. Poland is significantly increasing its defense spending in response to regional security threats.

The United States awarded a $114 million contract to Korte Construction Co. to build a training facility for the Sentinel nuclear missile at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This facility will support airmen training for Sentinel maintenance and operations, with completion expected by March 6, 2029. The Sentinel, designated LGM-35A, is set to replace the aging Minuteman III missile system.

Vegvisir is launching a communications module for military drones at Eurosatory 2026, aimed at maintaining connectivity in contested environments. The module supports various communication channels and is designed for harsh field conditions. It has already secured its first European customer and is being tested in nine countries, including the US and Australia.