Analysis & Reports

The USS Enterprise is undergoing dismantling at Modern American Recycling and Radiological Services in Mobile, Alabama, since 2012. The US Navy has incurred over $1 billion in costs for this process, which is the first commercial scrapping of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The dismantling serves as a pilot program for future Nimitz-class carrier dismantlements, with the Navy aiming to streamline the process.

The U.S. Navy is facing significant challenges in decommissioning its nuclear-powered submarines, with costs ranging from $50 million to $100 million per submarine. The fleet has decreased from 66 to 49 submarines, projected to drop to 47 by 2028, while the decommissioning process is delayed due to backlogged shipyards. The Department of Energy is involved in the disposal of nuclear reactor cores, and the Navy is now contracting private-sector shipbreakers to manage the workload.

The U.S. Army is investing billions in nuclear microreactors at military bases, selecting five companies for development at locations including Fort Bragg and Fort Hood. This initiative aims to enhance energy resilience and reduce reliance on civilian power grids, with operational reactors expected by September 30, 2028. The contracts, part of the Janus program, total up to $2.2 billion and focus on providing reliable power for military operations.

The US Army awarded contracts to five companies for the development of nuclear microreactor prototypes, with a total funding of $2.2 billion. The goal is to have at least one microreactor operational at an Army installation by September 30, 2028. Locations include Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, Fort Benning, and Fort Drum, with Radiant potentially receiving up to $750 million for its designs.

The U.S. Army is seeking to procure 8,000 new short-range missiles annually, with initial deliveries expected within two years after contract award. The missiles must integrate with various platforms and operate under jamming conditions. Contractors are required to provide evidence of their production capabilities by the deadline of September 15.

The US Air Force awarded $766 million in contracts for the modernization of the B-52 Stratofortress radar and bomb racks. RTX's Raytheon received a $603 million contract for new radar systems, while Boeing was awarded $163 million for bomb rack upgrades. This modernization is part of a broader $21 billion effort to sustain the B-52 through the mid-century, despite facing budget increases and schedule delays.

In 52 BC, Julius Caesar's Roman legions besieged the fortified town of Alesia, containing 90,000 Gallic warriors. Over several weeks, the Romans constructed extensive fortifications to defend against a relief army while enduring hunger and exhaustion. The siege culminated in a decisive victory for Caesar, leading to the end of organized Gallic resistance.

The U.S. Army is expanding its reliance on Canadian production for 155mm artillery shells due to domestic production shortfalls. The Army has invested over half a billion dollars in a General Dynamics facility in Montreal for propellant and is facing challenges in producing the required metal parts domestically. This situation highlights the complexities of U.S.-Canada defense industrial relations amid ongoing tariff disputes.

The U.S. Army is preparing to select the XM30 infantry fighting vehicle to replace the Bradley, with prototypes being developed by General Dynamics Land Systems and American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Michigan. This program, expected to be worth $1.6 billion, highlights Michigan's role as a central hub for defense technology and manufacturing, leveraging its extensive ecosystem of expertise and resources. The selection is anticipated in 2027, marking a significant advancement in military vehicle design and production.

The U.S. Army has selected five companies to construct nuclear microreactors at military bases as part of 'Project Janus,' with a budget of $2.2 billion. This initiative aims to enhance energy independence and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, with plans for up to 20 microreactors by 2028. The selected locations include Fort Bragg, Fort Campbell, Fort Hood, Fort Benning, and Fort Drum.

The U.S. Navy is dismantling the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) in Mobile, Alabama, with completion expected by September 2030. The dismantling will cost approximately $1.43 billion, significantly more than its original construction cost of $451.3 million. The complexity arises from the ship's eight nuclear reactors, which require specialized handling and disposal.

Hanwha Aerospace launched Hanwha Horizon USA on August 25, 2026, to manage its liquefied natural gas (LNG) business, including procurement and logistics. Led by James Sagar, the entity aims to create a stable LNG supply chain and expand trading operations in Asia. The initiative supports energy security cooperation between the United States and South Korea, with agreements signed to strengthen LNG procurement.

The U.S. Army is conducting market research for a new short-range guided missile similar to the JAGM and Hellfire, with production expected to start by early 2028. The request, published on August 25, 2023, outlines the need for a missile capable of operating in adverse conditions and overcoming electronic jamming. The Army aims to procure 8,000 missiles initially, with annual deliveries of the same quantity thereafter, to enhance its capabilities against various targets including drones and armored vehicles.

The U.S. Army awarded a $257 million contract to UTM Ltd. for the supply of 5.56mm marking ammunition used in force-on-force training. The contract includes M1042 loose and M1071 linked cartridges and is managed by Army Contracting Command in Newark, New Jersey, with an estimated completion date of August 24, 2031. This ammunition enables soldiers to conduct realistic training exercises without the risk of injury from live rounds.

The U.S. Army awarded a $133 million contract to Griffon Aerospace on August 10, 2023, for the procurement of Outlaw drone systems and support equipment at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. This contract, which has an estimated completion date of December 31, 2026, may lead to rapid spending if large orders are placed. The Outlaw systems are utilized for training air defense units against aerial threats.

The U.S. Air Force awarded Raytheon a $603 million contract on August 21, 2025, for the production and sustainment of the AN/APQ-188 radar for the B-52H bomber fleet. This new radar will replace the outdated AN/APQ-166 system and is part of a modernization effort to keep the B-52 operational into the 2050s. Work will be conducted at various locations, with flight testing expected to begin in fiscal 2026 after delays.

The U.S. Navy awarded Castelion Corp. nearly $90 million on August 25, 2023, to advance the Blackbeard hypersonic strike weapon towards Early Operational Capability. This contract includes funding for engineering, logistics, and manufacturing of 50 weapons, with work expected to be completed by August 2028. The Blackbeard missile is designed to exceed Mach 5 and is intended for both air and ground launch systems.

The U.S. Air Force faces significant challenges in producing the F-47 stealth fighter, with costs projected at $300 million per unit and a desired fleet size of 185 to 200. As China continues to expand its advanced aircraft capabilities, the U.S. risks being outmatched in a potential conflict. The Air Force is considering the use of drones to enhance its operational capacity, but production limitations may hinder its effectiveness against China's growing military strength.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking a contractor to maintain and update the software for the AC-130J Ghostrider's targeting system at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. A notice posted on August 25, 2024, outlines the need for support on the Brimstone Software Suite, which is critical for the aircraft's operations. L3Harris ForceX Inc. is currently the sole provider of this software, and the Air Force is exploring options for additional contractors to ensure system reliability and updates.

The U.S. Navy announced the establishment of a new defense industrial base office to enhance domestic manufacturing and address supply chain vulnerabilities. Andrew Magliochetti has been appointed as the first deputy assistant secretary for this office, tasked with revitalizing the maritime industrial base and accelerating the transition of innovative technologies. The Navy aims to increase its fleet significantly by fiscal 2031, addressing past challenges in shipbuilding and delivery timelines.