Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon announced agreements with defense firms to acquire over 10,000 low-cost, containerized missiles starting in 2027. The agreements involve companies like Anduril, CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5, launching the Low-Cost Containerized Munitions program. Additionally, a contract for a minimum of 500 Blackbeard missiles from Castelion is planned, pending successful testing. The Pentagon is also seeking over $26 billion in its fiscal 2027 budget for critical munitions.

U.S. special operations leaders expressed frustration over proprietary agreements that hinder quick upgrades to military equipment, particularly unmanned systems, during a Senate subcommittee hearing. They highlighted the challenges of modifying drones and the impact of these restrictions on operational capabilities. The removal of right-to-repair provisions from the fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act was also noted as a significant concern. Additionally, the leaders discussed the strain on U.S.-European relations due to ongoing military operations.

Iran launched thousands of missiles and drones at Israel and Gulf States since February 28, 2023, with Israeli defenses intercepting nearly 90% of the 650 medium-range ballistic missiles aimed at Israel. The attacks resulted in 24 civilian casualties and significant damage to US facilities. Iran's missile accuracy has improved, complicating defense efforts, while missile defenses are reportedly strained due to high usage of interceptors.

Elbit Systems of America secured a $212 million contract to supply ENVG-B systems to the US Army. This order highlights the ongoing procurement of advanced military equipment by the US military.

U.S. Special Operations Command adopted Reveal's Identifi mobile biometric system as a Program of Record on May 13, 2023. This system enables identity verification and threat assessment without relying on network connectivity, enhancing operational efficiency for special operators. Initial fielding has begun, with plans for broader deployment through fiscal 2026.

The U.S. Army has cleared the CODiAQ armed quadruped robot for operational test and evaluation, with live fire training scheduled for October 2026. This system, developed by Australian Skyborne Technologies, will be evaluated by U.S. Special Operations Command and a foreign ally. The contract includes 14 systems equipped with 28 modular weapon payloads, emphasizing safety and operational utility in high-risk environments.

The U.S. Army evaluated the Wraith autonomous electronic warfare drone during Exercise Ivy Mass at Fort Carson, Colorado, in May 2026. The drone successfully conducted nearly a dozen autonomous missions, geolocating and identifying radio frequency threats without GPS. This evaluation aimed to enhance the Army's electronic warfare capabilities in environments where GPS is compromised, providing actionable intelligence to ground commanders.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $12.4 million contract to Forward Slope Inc. on May 12, 2026, to deliver command, control, communications, and cybersecurity capabilities to Taiwan. The work will be conducted both on the island and in the continental United States, with completion expected by April 2027. This contract reflects ongoing U.S. military support and cooperation with Taiwan in enhancing its defensive capabilities against cyber threats.

The U.S. Army selected Teledyne FLIR Defense's Rogue 1 loitering munition for its Low Altitude Stalking and Strike Ordnance (LASSO) program, enabling infantry brigades to engage tanks at over 12 miles. Up to 130 systems will be delivered for testing next summer, enhancing the Army's anti-armor capabilities without requiring vehicle support. The Rogue 1 is designed for use in GPS-denied environments and can be operated by a single soldier.

RENK America developed a drive-by-wire transmission upgrade for the U.S. Army's Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV), enabling autonomous operation without vehicle redesign. This upgrade utilizes Forterra's AutoDrive software, allowing the vehicle to function without a human driver. The AMPV, which entered service in 2021, is intended to replace the M113 armored personnel carrier and can potentially enhance other vehicles in the Army's fleet.

Pentagon leaders requested the White House to restore funding for the E-7 Wedgetail radar plane, emphasizing its importance for future conflicts. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth highlighted a shift in mindset regarding military capabilities, moving away from reliance on satellites. The Air Force plans to purchase five E-7s alongside two prototypes, despite previous budget cuts. Former military leaders have stressed the need for upgrades to enhance battlespace awareness technology.

The U.S. Navy is expanding its fleet under a 30-year shipbuilding plan, aiming to acquire 15 battleships and over 80 unmanned vessels by 2055. The plan includes a target of 450 vessels by 2031, with significant investments in new technologies and modular construction methods. The Navy's strategy emphasizes integrating unmanned systems and increasing production capacity across various shipyards.

The Trump administration's proposed Golden Dome missile defense system is estimated to cost $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. This estimate significantly exceeds the $185 billion allocated in the proposed fiscal 2027 defense budget. The system aims to protect the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii from various missile threats but may not effectively counter large-scale attacks from adversaries like Russia or China.

The U.S. Navy confirmed that the Trump-class battleship will be equipped with the same A1B nuclear reactor as the Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The Navy plans to have 15 of these battleships by 2056, with the first expected to be delivered in 2036. The total estimated cost for the design and development of the battleship is around $46 billion over the next five years, highlighting its significance for future naval operations in the Pacific.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that a proposed national missile defense system could cost up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years. This system, similar to the Golden Dome project, would primarily engage threats from regional adversaries. The CBO highlighted that the most significant costs are associated with space-based interceptors, which account for 70% of acquisition expenses. U.S. officials are considering affordability in the development of this system.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the Golden Dome missile defense system could cost up to $1.2 trillion over 20 years. This estimate is based on a notional national missile defense architecture, as the Department of Defense has not provided specific details. Previous estimates for initial deployment costs ranged from $175 billion to $185 billion. The report is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.

The Pentagon plans to fund the E-7 Wedgetail program after initial cancellation plans, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This decision follows significant pushback from lawmakers concerned about airborne detection gaps. The Air Force has contracted for five additional E-7 aircraft and two rapid prototypes, indicating a renewed commitment to the program despite earlier resistance. Hegseth emphasized the aircraft's relevance on the modern battlefield.

Lockheed Martin completed the Seeker Characterization Flight Test for the QuadStar missile in the United States. This test is a crucial step in the US Army's Next-Generation Short-Range Interceptor programme, indicating progress in missile development.

Smart Shooter secured a $10.7 million contract to supply the US Army with SMASH 2000LE fire control systems, also known as SMASH 3000SA. This contract highlights the ongoing procurement of advanced fire control technology by the US military.

Anduril Industries was awarded a contract by the U.S. Army to develop a Battle Manager prototype designed to enhance missile defense capabilities. The system will utilize Lattice software to integrate data from existing missile-defense systems, providing commanders with a comprehensive threat picture. This initiative is part of the Army's broader efforts to improve command and control in the Indo-Pacific region.