Analysis & Reports

China claims to have identified aerodynamic and stability limitations in the B-21 Raider stealth bomber using its PADJ-X simulation tool. This claim, made by the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Centre, is based on theoretical models and has raised skepticism due to the lack of classified data. The B-21 Raider is expected to enter service by 2027, while China continues to develop its own stealth capabilities.

The U.S. Army's M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and South Korea's K2 Black Panther are compared for their capabilities as leading main battle tanks. The Abrams is recognized for its heavy protection and combat experience, while the K2 is noted for its advanced technology and lighter weight. Both tanks are positioned as top contenders in the global arms market, with the K2 rapidly advancing in capabilities.

President Trump compared U.S. military actions against Iran to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi in Washington. He highlighted the importance of surprise in military strategy, referencing the historical context of Pearl Harbor, which drew the U.S. into World War II.

Canada is reviewing its commitment to procure 88 F-35 fighters due to rising costs and political tensions with the U.S. The first 16 F-35s are expected to be delivered in 2026, but the government is also considering the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E as a more economical alternative. A final decision on the fleet's size and composition is anticipated later in 2026.

The U.S. Navy's SSN(X) attack submarine program has been delayed to FY2040 due to budget constraints and resource management issues. The cost per hull has escalated to $8 billion, raising concerns about the Navy's undersea capabilities against near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. Ongoing debates regarding nuclear fuel types further complicate the program's future.

The U.S. Military implemented a new policy requiring troops to prove their sincerely held religious beliefs for beard waivers. Effective March 11, 2023, the policy mandates sworn statements and input from commanders, with all existing waivers needing reevaluation within 90 days. This change follows skepticism expressed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the necessity of such waivers.

The U.S. intelligence community has identified artificial intelligence as a major global threat in its 2026 Worldwide Threat Assessment. The report emphasizes AI's role in modern warfare, its use by China as a competitive advantage, and the proliferation of AI-generated misinformation. It warns of the risks associated with AI autonomy and the potential for authoritarian regimes to exploit AI for surveillance and disinformation.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy are developing the F-47 and F/A-XX next-generation fighter jets, which are not expected to be operational until the mid-2030s. This delay forces reliance on older aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. Meanwhile, China has already deployed sixth-generation fighters, raising concerns about the U.S. maintaining air superiority. Political factors may jeopardize funding for these programs, which are critical for future military capabilities.

German Eurofighter Typhoons achieved notional kills against USAF F-22 Raptors during the 2012 Red Flag Alaska exercise. The exercise highlighted the limitations of the F-22's stealth capabilities when forced into within-visual-range combat. This incident has been a point of pride for the German Luftwaffe, who claimed multiple kills, while contrasting with a recent real-world engagement where an F-35I Adir downed an Iranian Yak-130.

The U.S. intelligence community's annual threat assessment excluded foreign threats to elections, marking a significant shift in focus under the Trump administration. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified about the Iran war and faced scrutiny from Senate Democrats over the omission of foreign election interference threats. The report underscores growing tensions between intelligence assessments and the administration's narrative regarding Iran.

U.S. intelligence assessed that China does not currently plan to invade Taiwan in 2027 and prefers to control the island without force. The report highlights increased military pressure from China on Taiwan and notes that U.S. President Trump has downplayed the threat of Chinese military action. Additionally, concerns have arisen in Japan regarding U.S. support for Taiwan amid ongoing tensions.

U.S. intelligence assessed that China does not plan to invade Taiwan in 2027 and prefers to achieve control without force. The report highlights increased military pressure from China on Taiwan and notes the U.S. has provided significant military aid to Taiwan. Concerns were raised in Japan regarding U.S. support for Taiwan amid potential trade concessions to China.

The U.S. is pressuring European and Middle Eastern allies to enhance their support for ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. On March 18, 2023, White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that U.S. officials are in communication with allies to increase their efforts. President Trump has voiced dissatisfaction with some allies' lack of enthusiasm for military cooperation against Iran.

Theodore Roosevelt, a sickly child, transformed into a physically formidable leader, serving as the U.S. Navy's Assistant Secretary before leading the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War in 1898. He was elected Governor of New York in 1898 and later became President in 1901. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) is named in his honor, reflecting his legacy in military and political spheres.

The U.S. Army will officially take control of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system from the Missile Defense Agency by fiscal year 2027. This transition has been in planning for several years and aims to enhance oversight of the program. The THAAD system, which is effective against ballistic missile threats, has been actively used in the Middle East to counter Iranian missile and drone threats.

The Pentagon's Chief Technology Officer stated that the military is confident in replacing Anthropic's AI model with alternatives like OpenAI and Google Gemini before a six-month deadline. He highlighted the deployment of these models and the importance of having multiple options to avoid over-reliance on a single supplier. The Pentagon has officially labeled Anthropic as a supply chain risk due to its ethical limitations on military AI use.

The Pentagon is finalizing a $1.5 trillion defense budget request for Fiscal Year 2027, which will include increased procurement of aircraft, ships, and munitions. The budget request is expected to be delivered to Congress in early February, though it may be delayed until late April or early May. Concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility of this budget amid significant U.S. debt.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been granted authority to appoint legal guardians for veterans unable to make their own health care decisions, affecting around 700 veterans in VA facilities. This agreement, announced last week, aims to ensure appropriate care for veterans but has raised concerns about potential rights violations. VA officials emphasize that the process will include due process and court supervision to protect veterans' interests.

The retirement of the USS Nimitz has been postponed, allowing it to remain in service until March 2027. This extension is intended to ensure the U.S. Navy maintains at least 11 active aircraft carriers. The carrier recently participated in military exercises and operations against ISIS targets in Somalia, and it has been in service for nearly 51 years since its commissioning in 1975.

The Pentagon's acting chief financial officer announced that $153 billion has been allocated from the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, with a $1.5 trillion defense spending proposal for 2027 under consideration. The funding will focus on essential military needs and readiness, with discussions ongoing about a $50 billion supplemental for U.S. strikes on Iran. The DOGE entity is assisting in budget management to eliminate unnecessary expenditures.