Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy awarded a $418.5 million contract to NorthStar Maritime Dismantlement Services for the dismantlement of the USS Enterprise in Mobile, Alabama, with completion expected by September 2030. This contract follows a previous award that was contested, resulting in a lower bid. The dismantlement will involve recycling materials and safely disposing of hazardous waste, serving as a model for future decommissioning of similar vessels.

CSG Group has officially begun construction of the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This facility will produce up to 36,000 loaded 155mm artillery projectiles per month and is part of a U.S. Army modernization effort. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and be operational by 2029.

The U.S. Air Force has ordered an increase in the production of long-range missiles, raising the total to 16,450 units due to concerns over stockpile depletion. This includes the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), with production expected to begin in about 27 months. Lockheed Martin will exclusively manufacture these missiles, reflecting a significant push to rebuild missile inventories strained by recent military engagements.

Iran's military actions have led the U.S. to deplete its interceptor stockpiles, prompting concerns about a potential maritime quarantine by China against Taiwan. The U.S. Navy is facing challenges in maintaining readiness due to simultaneous conflicts and strategic commitments in the Gulf and Indo-Pacific regions. Taiwan's government is preparing for possible Chinese maritime actions, which could impact its energy and resource supplies.

The Finnish Defence Forces awarded a EUR 6.5 million contract to KNL for the delivery of CNHF radios, enhancing their defense communications capabilities. Deliveries are set to begin immediately following the contract execution. This marks the third order from the FDF to KNL, reflecting a commitment to improving operational communication and strengthening Nordic defense cooperation.

The UK Ministry of Defence has begun delivering 150 artillery barrels to Ukraine, with the first shipment of four development forgings sent for validation. These barrels, produced by Sheffield Forgemasters under a £61 million contract, are part of a broader effort to enhance Ukraine's artillery capabilities. The production rate is currently eight forgings per month, indicating a gradual ramp-up in support for Ukraine's defense needs.

Alexandra ReevesThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

CSG Group has officially launched the construction of the Future Artillery Complex at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. This facility will produce up to 36,000 loaded 155mm artillery projectiles per month and is part of a significant U.S. Army modernization effort. The project is expected to create approximately 70 new jobs and is scheduled to be operational by 2029.

BAE Systems has delivered the first of 150 British-made artillery barrel forgings to Ukraine under a £61 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence. The barrels, produced in Sheffield, will enhance Ukraine's battlefield capabilities and support local manufacturing jobs. This marks the first production of such barrels in the UK in almost two decades, with the initial four barrels shipped for validation by Ukrainian industry partners.

Exail has been awarded a contract to deliver three light Mine Countermeasures (MCM) systems to a European navy. These systems are designed for rapid deployment from Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to identify and neutralize underwater mines. The contract highlights the need for faster and more adaptable MCM capabilities in response to complex maritime threats.

Finland's Defence Forces awarded a $7.45 million contract for Cognitive Networked HF radios to enhance communication capabilities. This marks the third order in less than a year, reflecting a commitment to resilient communications amid rising tensions with Russia. The radios are designed to resist jamming and outages, improving coordination for military operations.

Ukrainian forces conducted drone operations on July 15, 2023, targeting 20 vessels in the Black Sea, including oil tankers and a tugboat. This operation is part of a larger campaign against Russian maritime logistics, which has seen intensified strikes on Odessa and surrounding areas. The Ukrainian military aims to disrupt Russian shipping and oil transport, reflecting a shift in the maritime conflict dynamics.

Dmitri VolkovThu Jul 16 2026Loading...

BAE Systems delivered the first of 150 British-made artillery barrel forgings to Ukraine under a £61 million contract with the UK Ministry of Defence. The initial four barrels were shipped as development forgings to assist Ukrainian industry partners in validating manufacturing processes. This marks a significant milestone in UK defense manufacturing, as it is the first production of such barrels in nearly two decades, supporting both Ukraine's battlefield capabilities and skilled jobs in the UK.

The European Defence Agency reported that EU defense spending reached €418 billion in 2025, reflecting a 20% increase from 2024. Projected spending for 2026 is €454 billion, or 2.4% of GDP, with 23 Member States meeting the 2% GDP benchmark. The report highlights significant investments in defense capabilities in response to security challenges, including a 26% rise in defense equipment procurement.

The U.S. military launched a second wave of strikes against Iran on July 15, 2023, at 15:00 EDT, targeting Iranian military capabilities. This follows a morning strike earlier that day and is part of a five-day campaign aimed at weakening threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Trump indicated that military actions will persist until Iran engages in negotiations.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program, which aims to enhance the U.S. arsenal with cost-effective options.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each, significantly lower than previous models. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program.

The U.S. military is experiencing a critical shortage of artillery shells, with only 600,000 remaining for the Army and Marine Corps. This shortage follows the provision of over 3 million rounds to Ukraine and is exacerbated by production issues at the Mesquite, Texas facility, which has not produced a key component for two years. The Army's goal of 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025 is currently unattainable due to systemic failures in the defense industrial base.

The U.S. Army has partnered with Auriga Space to test an electromagnetic weapon system in California. This three-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) aims to explore the potential of electromagnetic accelerators as a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile interceptors. The system, named Hermes, is designed for rapid engagement against drone swarms, addressing current supply chain challenges in interceptor production.

Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces damaged or disabled 116 Russian-linked vessels during a nine-day drone campaign in the Sea of Azov, with an additional wave targeting 20 more vessels. The operation focused on commercial and logistical vessels, aiming to disrupt Russia's military supply lines. This campaign reflects Ukraine's strategy of targeting infrastructure rather than direct military assets, utilizing inexpensive drones for sustained attacks.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is resuming the launch of 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in Washington on Thursday. This follows a strategic pause to address technical issues with previously launched satellites. The SDA aims to establish a constellation of 158 satellites to enhance military satellite capabilities, despite facing challenges with software, hardware, and regulatory approvals.