Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Air Force is focusing on acquiring new missiles aimed at enhancing beyond-visual-range capabilities.

The report discusses the South Dakota-Class battleships, highlighting their significant weight and military capabilities, and suggests they convey a strategic message to the U.S. Navy.

The report discusses the historical consideration of the Iowa-Class battleship as a potential aircraft carrier within the United States Navy.

The report discusses how Christmas was observed in the U.S. and abroad during WWII, highlighting military operations, troop morale, and the impact of war on holiday celebrations. It details the activities of American and British forces during Christmas 1941, including strategic meetings and the challenges faced by soldiers in various theaters of war.

The report discusses the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in military operations, highlighting significant developments in the U.S. and Ukraine, including the use of AI for drone efficiency, intelligence generation, and cyber warfare. It emphasizes the institutionalization of AI in military planning and operations, with a focus on both advancements and potential risks.

An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged in connection with the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard troops near the White House on November 26, 2025. One soldier, Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, was killed, and another, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was critically injured. Lakanwal faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and has pleaded not guilty. The case is now in U.S. District Court, where the death penalty is being considered.

The report outlines significant military activities and defense developments in the Middle East during 2025, including military strikes between Israel and Iran, Turkey's investment in air defense systems, and Saudi Arabia's potential drone purchases. It highlights the growing defense industry in the region, with nine firms making it to SIPRI’s Top 100 arms producers list.

The report details the story of Charley Longfellow, who enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War, was wounded in battle, and inspired his father, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, to write a famous Christmas poem during his recovery.

The US Air Force is advancing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program, with Northrop Grumman's Project Talon being recognized as a strong contender for initial production contracts. The Air Force plans to purchase over 100 CCAs by 2030 and has selected nine additional companies to develop a second iteration of CCAs, broadening their operational capabilities.

Various organizations are actively supporting military families during the holiday season by providing meals, gifts, and community support. Notable efforts include Operation Homefront serving over 13,000 families, the distribution of $150,000 in gift cards by Army Emergency Relief, and the delivery of holiday meal fixings by the Defense Logistics Agency. Military families are also engaged in giving back to their communities.

About 450 U.S. Marines were deployed to Yuma, Arizona, to support security along the southern border. This deployment is part of a task force effort to assist the U.S. Border Patrol and is expected to last around six months. The Marines will work on various projects including construction and barrier reinforcement.

A small Mexican Navy plane crashed near Galveston, Texas, during a medical mission, killing at least two people. Emergency officials rescued four individuals, while two remain missing. The incident is under investigation by the Mexican Navy and local authorities.

President Trump announced the construction of two 'Trump class' battleships, with plans to expand the fleet to 20-25. The new ships will feature advanced weapon systems and are part of a broader initiative to modernize the U.S. Navy's capabilities.

Military recruiting for fiscal 2026 is showing strong progress, with the Department of Defense meeting nearly 40% of its accession goals. All active-duty forces met their fiscal 2025 goals, and the National Defense Authorization Act has increased troop end strength by approximately 26,100 personnel.

Ira 'Ike' Schab, a World War II Navy veteran and one of the last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack, has died at the age of 105 in Beaverton, Oregon. His death reduces the number of surviving veterans of the attack to about a dozen. Schab served in the Navy during the war and later contributed to the Apollo spaceflight program.

The Pentagon's Joint Interagency Task Force 401 is planning to enhance counter-drone capabilities by sharing data with the Golden Dome missile defense project, focusing on larger drones classified as Group 3. This initiative aims to integrate counter-UAS efforts across military branches and improve defenses against drone threats, particularly in light of increasing drone activity along the U.S.-Mexico border.

A California Air Guard team successfully executed a high-risk night rescue from a fog-covered cruise ship, demonstrating their operational capabilities in challenging conditions.

The U.S. military is ending the practice of using live animals for medic training, opting for advanced simulation technology instead. This decision is part of the annual defense bill and aims to reduce animal suffering while maintaining effective training for medics. The change has been supported by animal rights advocates and reflects a broader shift towards humane training methods.

The Pentagon is mandated to release summaries of internal safety investigations spanning nearly three years due to increasing military aviation mishaps, as stipulated in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. This move aims to enhance transparency and accountability following several high-profile incidents.

U.S. special warfare trainers are requesting expanded areas for jamming cellular and GPS signals to enhance training in electronic warfare and drone operations, reflecting the increasing importance of these capabilities in modern warfare, particularly as observed in Ukraine.