Analysis & Reports

The USS Nimitz (CVN-68) is on its final deployment, set for decommissioning in May 2026, which will reduce the U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier fleet to 10. The Navy faces a $1.8 billion maintenance backlog and an overtaxed operational tempo, leading to crew fatigue and technical issues. The fleet's size is at its smallest since WWI, complicating its ability to meet global demands, particularly against the Chinese Navy.

Lt. Col. Brandon Shah was killed in a shooting at Old Dominion University on Thursday, with two others wounded. The shooter, Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, who had previously attempted to aid the Islamic State, was subdued and killed by ROTC students. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism, and the firearm used had an obliterated serial number.

The U.S. Navy is transitioning the design of America-class amphibious assault ships to restore the well deck, enhancing amphibious operations by 2026. This change addresses previous design criticisms that favored aviation capabilities over logistical support for heavy equipment. The USS Bougainville (LHA-8) will lead this transition, reflecting a balanced approach to modern expeditionary warfare.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) established the 96th Division in June 2025 to enhance security in the Jordan Valley. This division coordinates responses to threats and oversees existing military units. The IDF is refurbishing old outposts and preparing for potential incidents, including drone smuggling and terrorist attacks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israel's military capabilities along its borders.

James Michael Fisher, a retired Air Force civilian engineer, was found not guilty on March 5, 2024, of charges related to the 2017 KC-130T crash in Mississippi that killed 16 service members. The crash was attributed to maintenance failures, including a corroded propeller blade. Fisher maintained he was a scapegoat, asserting he did not approve the waiver for a safety inspection that could have prevented the disaster.

The U.S. Army conducted tests of a new 30 mm Aviation Proximity Explosive (APEX) round for AH-64 Apache helicopters at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. The tests evaluated the round's effectiveness against unmanned aerial systems, with approximately 1,200 rounds fired. The APEX round is designed to detonate near targets, enhancing the Apache's counter-drone capabilities. This testing is part of the Army's broader effort to improve defenses against small drones.

The 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy emphasizes deterrence by denial against China, directing U.S. forces to strengthen defenses along the First Island Chain. On March 12, 2025, the U.S. Navy transitioned from the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Robert Smalls to the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Mustin as part of modernization efforts. The strategy also demands increased defense spending from allies, totaling 5% of GDP, while notably omitting Taiwan from its discussions, creating strategic ambiguity.

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The USS Jimmy Carter (SSN-23) operates covertly for the U.S. Navy, utilizing its Multi-Mission Platform for specialized undersea missions, including tapping undersea fiberoptic cables. Commissioned in 2005, it is equipped with advanced technologies such as remotely operated vehicles and specialized sensors, making it a key asset in modern naval warfare. The submarine's capabilities reflect a shift towards undersea infrastructure warfare.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting approximately 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities. The event is significant for the B-21's long-range strike role, although details on aerial refueling were not disclosed.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-21 Raider conducted a close-proximity flight test with a KC-135 Stratotanker over the Mojave Desert on Tuesday. This flight, lasting about 5.5 hours, is part of the ongoing test campaign to validate the B-21's capabilities for long-range strike missions. The program remains on track for the delivery of operational B-21s to Ellsworth Air Force Base by 2027.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project. This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads, including smaller unmanned vehicles. The project aims to enhance capabilities in the Pacific and Arctic regions, addressing the need for advanced underwater systems.

The U.S. Navy has partnered with Anduril to develop the Dive-XL, an extra-large unmanned underwater vessel as part of the Combat Autonomous Maritime Platform Project (CAMP). This vessel is designed to operate in GPS-denied environments, dive to depths of 200 meters, and carry various payloads. Anduril will conduct an extended demonstration of the Dive-XL within four months of the contract award, enhancing capabilities in maritime operations.

NATO conducted the Cold Response exercise in the Arctic in March 2026, emphasizing civilian preparedness. The EU announced defense partnerships with Australia, Iceland, and Ghana, reflecting a shift towards strategic autonomy. Tensions in EU-NATO relations escalated due to U.S. policies, prompting the EU to explore independent defense strategies. Cooperation between NATO and the EU continues to focus on countering hybrid threats.

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Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guard member, killed one person and injured two others in a shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, on Thursday. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of terrorism. Jalloh, who had a prior conviction for attempting to support the Islamic State, was subdued by students before law enforcement arrived. The university has since suspended operations and classes.

The Israeli Air Force is acquiring 25 F-15EX aircraft for long-range missions, while the Qatar Air Force recently used its F-15QA variant to shoot down two Iranian Su-24 bombers. Poland and Saudi Arabia are also considering the F-15EX for their air forces, highlighting its significant payload capacity and advanced combat technology. The aircraft's capabilities position it as a key player in regional military dynamics.

The U.S. Navy rotated the USS Robert Smalls, the last Ticonderoga-class cruiser homeported overseas, from Yokosuka, Japan, to San Diego, California. This change is part of a scheduled force rotation, with the USS Mustin replacing the Smalls. The USS Robert Smalls was previously assigned to Carrier Strike Group Five in support of U.S. military operations in the Indo-Pacific region.

U.S. Marines Cpl. Malakai Obed and Cpl. Caden Perez conducted a rescue operation on January 15, 2026, at Camp Pendleton, California, after a vehicle rollover accident. They saved an unconscious mother and her three children trapped in the vehicle by breaking a window and pulling the children to safety. The Marines flagged down passing corpsmen for medical assistance and were later awarded Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for their heroism.

U.S. forces engaged in Operation Epic Fury have struck approximately 6,000 targets in Iran, resulting in seven American service members killed and around 140 wounded. The operation has cost an estimated $11.3 billion in its first six days. Iran's new supreme leader has vowed retaliation, while Congressional Democrats are introducing resolutions to limit U.S. military involvement without formal authorization.

In 2026, NATO and the EU are undergoing significant transformations in response to transatlantic tensions, with the EU launching the Readiness 2030 initiative to boost defense spending. The Trump administration's policies have intensified debates on European strategic autonomy, leading to Spain's prohibition of U.S. strikes on Iran. The EU is also expanding defense partnerships with countries like Ghana, indicating a shift towards operational independence from American military support.

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The U.S. Navy will commission the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. on April 11, 2024, at Naval Station Norfolk. This Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer honors Col. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr. for his bravery during the Vietnam War. Martha Hill, Barnum's wife, will sponsor the ship during the ceremony.