Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is investigating transmission issues with the AH-64E Apache helicopters, which have led to grounding orders and multiple incidents. Concurrently, the Army is reducing flight hours and retiring older AH-64D models due to significant funding challenges. These issues are affecting operational readiness and training for aviation units, with implications for ongoing missions in Iran and other areas.

The U.S. Army is investigating transmission problems in AH-64E Apache helicopters, which have led to several incidents, including crashes. Concurrently, the Army is reducing flight hours and retiring older AH-64D models due to significant funding shortfalls. This situation is exacerbated by ongoing maintenance issues and operational demands, particularly related to missions in Iran and support for domestic operations.

The U.S. Air Force's 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base has declared its MQ-9 Reaper drones operational with the GBU-39B glide bomb as of Spring 2023. This new capability allows the drones to engage targets from 60 miles away, significantly enhancing their operational effectiveness while minimizing exposure to ground-based air defenses. The integration involved the development of a new carriage system to accommodate the glide bombs.

Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House on 19 May in Tampa, Florida, to provide advanced testing and proofing for rifles intended to replace the SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN. This partnership aims to ensure that the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service, emphasizing the importance of proofing in the manufacturing process.

The U.S. State Department approved a $236 million sale of AGM-184 Joint Strike Missiles to Belgium on May 18, 2025, allowing Belgium to enhance its F-35A fighter jets with advanced strike capabilities. This acquisition represents a significant upgrade in Belgium's military capabilities, marking its first purchase of cruise missiles. Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the strategic importance of this development for national deterrence and operational autonomy.

Lockheed Martin was awarded an $879 million contract on May 18, 2023, for the production of armament equipment essential for F-35 fighters. This contract includes missile launchers, bomb racks, and other hardware necessary for the jets' combat readiness. The production will support Lots 18 and 19 of the F-35 program, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026 and continue through February 2030. International partners contribute significantly to the funding of this contract.

Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft collided and crashed during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on October 17, 2023. Four crew members successfully ejected before the crash. The incident resulted in an estimated loss of over $200 million for the U.S. Navy, highlighting the aircraft's critical role in electronic warfare operations.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is prioritizing the rapid integration of new technologies for special operations forces during the SOF Week exhibition in Tampa. David Breede, SOCOM's deputy director for acquisition, highlighted the importance of autonomous technologies that can communicate effectively. SOCOM aims to balance speed with the careful development of capabilities, avoiding large-scale projects like aircraft carriers.

The U.S. Department of Defense announced five winners of the Lethality Prize Challenge for small drone payloads in Washington in April 2023. The winners, including Northrop Grumman and Bravo Ordnance, are set to expedite contracts and production of lethal payload systems. The DoD plans to purchase 60,000 units as part of its Drone Dominance initiative.

USS Cleveland was commissioned on May 16, 2026, in Ohio, enhancing the U.S. Navy's capabilities in the Pacific. The ship is designed for maritime security and surface warfare, featuring a 57mm gun and self-defense systems. However, it does not replace the need for more robust naval vessels like destroyers, as it lacks long-range missile capabilities. The commissioning highlights ongoing challenges in U.S. naval force structure and presence in the Pacific.

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Sen. Ted Budd expressed optimism that multiyear procurement bills for F-35 and F-15EX will be included in the fiscal 2027 National Defense Authorization Act in Washington. The proposed legislation aims to enhance the U.S. fighter inventory and improve pilot retention through increased bonuses and a new pilot program. Additionally, it mandates the Air Force to maintain a minimum of 1,369 combat-coded fighters by 2030 and authorizes the procurement of 329 F-15EX aircraft.

The U.S. Navy integrated the AIM-260A missile into Super Hornet operations, as seen on May 13, 2026, at Eglin Air Force Base. This missile is intended to enhance the range capabilities of Navy fighters against threats, particularly from Chinese aircraft. However, challenges remain regarding missile availability and the operational readiness of carrier air wings amid ongoing global commitments.

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Picket Defense Systems is showcasing the Inferno RTC, a next-generation counter-drone system, at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa from May 18-21. The system features a patented rotating turret design that allows for rapid engagement of drone threats without aiming delays, providing a 40-meter assured-kill zone in all directions. The small variant weighs 45 pounds and is designed for portability, while the large variant weighs 90 pounds and offers enhanced capabilities.

The U.S. Army issued a request for information on May 15, 2026, seeking missiles costing less than $1 million each to replace expensive interceptors. This initiative aims to address the economic challenges of air defense highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. The RFI outlines specific requirements for missile components and integration with existing systems, reflecting a strategic shift in procurement practices.

Lockheed Martin secured a $61 million contract from the U.S. Army to develop upgrades for the Patriot air defense system, including a containerized missile launcher and a hemispherical guidance device. These enhancements aim to eliminate significant tactical limitations, allowing for better engagement of threats from all directions. The project is expected to be completed by May 31, 2027, and reflects lessons learned from recent combat experiences in Ukraine.

The U.S. Navy is set to retire its four Ohio-class SSGN submarines in the coming years, resulting in the loss of 616 Tomahawk cruise missiles. This retirement significantly reduces the Navy's missile launch capabilities, as no other submarine can match the firepower of the Ohio-class. The Virginia-class submarines, while capable, cannot fully compensate for this loss, creating a gap in the Navy's strike capacity.

General Dynamics Land Systems secured a $229.6 million contract to produce 50 Stryker Double V-Hull A1 armored vehicles for the U.S. Army on May 15, 2026. This contract supports the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, enhancing their operational capabilities with upgraded protection and reliability features. The vehicles are expected to be delivered by June 30, 2028, as part of a strategy to modernize the existing fleet.

The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $325.5 million contract to develop the RangeHawk drone, designed for high-altitude, long-endurance data collection from hypersonic weapons tests. The project aims to enhance the testing capabilities for high-speed systems, with completion expected by May 14, 2031. $65.6 million was allocated at the time of the award.

Balikatan 2026 concluded in May 2026, involving 17,000 troops from the U.S., Japan, and other allies across the Philippines. Japan's first full-scale combat participation marked a historic shift, while the U.S. deployed the NMESIS system to enhance sea-denial capabilities. In response, China conducted naval and air patrols in the South China Sea, highlighting regional tensions.

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Lockheed Martin secured a $991 million contract to produce 432 electronic warfare upgrade kits for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The contract, issued on May 15, 2026, will enhance the aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities and is expected to be completed by March 2032. The U.S. Air Force will receive 97 kits, while international customers will receive a total of 239 kits, highlighting the global significance of the F-35 program.