Analysis & Reports

The USS Illinois (BB-65) was authorized by the U.S. Navy in 1945 but construction was halted at 20% completion due to changing naval priorities. The ship was never completed and was scrapped in 1958, marking a significant transition in naval doctrine from battleships to aircraft carriers. Various proposals for conversion to guided-missile capabilities were considered but not pursued.

Saab proposed establishing a Gripen production line in Canada, aiming to serve both the Canadian Air Force and export markets. The Canadian government is reviewing its fighter capabilities, considering a mixed fleet of Gripen and F-35 aircraft. Saab claims this initiative could create around 10,000 jobs in Canada and has committed to producing the first aircraft in Sweden before shifting production to Canada.

U.S. lawmakers express concerns about nuclear proliferation following the expiration of the New START treaty on February 5, 2023. Allies in Europe, Japan, and South Korea are considering developing their own nuclear deterrence systems. The report highlights rising tensions and the potential for a new arms race, particularly in light of China's rapid nuclear weapons development.

The New START treaty between the U.S. and Russia has expired, allowing both nations to expand their nuclear arsenals without restrictions. Russia has 4,309 nuclear warheads, while the U.S. has 3,700, with 1,770 deployed. This development raises concerns about a potential arms race and increased instability in global security.

U.S. President Trump threatened military action against Iran if it attempts to restart its nuclear program during an interview on February 4 in Washington, D.C. He claimed that Iran is considering establishing new nuclear facilities and warned that the U.S. would take action if this occurs. Trump emphasized that Iran's Supreme Leader should be very concerned about these developments.

In February 2025, President Trump removed Gen. C.Q. Brown as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, signaling a shift in national security leadership. The administration paused intelligence cooperation with Ukraine, impacting military aid and alliance trust. The report highlights concerns over Trump's leadership style, likening it to Lt. Cmdr. Queeg's in The Caine Mutiny, suggesting potential risks to national security and military effectiveness.

The Trump administration faces backlash over its sports diplomacy, particularly regarding a boycott of the Super Bowl linked to entertainer Bad Bunny. Controversy arises from ICE's involvement in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, raising concerns about American athletes facing protests. Additionally, discussions of a World Cup boycott emerge, complicating logistics with co-hosts Canada and Mexico amid ongoing political tensions.

HASC Chairman Mike Rogers is pursuing $450 billion for defense funding in Washington, D.C., aiming to achieve a $1.5 trillion defense budget for Fiscal Year 2027. This funding is essential for major modernization projects, including the Golden Dome missile shield and sixth-generation F-47 fighter jet. The committee is also focused on expanding the defense industrial base through the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act.

The House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee discussed proposed legislation to expand VA benefits for approximately 10,000 service members exposed to hazardous materials during and after the 9/11 attacks. The bills aim to provide broader access to health care and compensation, including provisions for surviving spouses of veterans with ALS. The VA expressed concerns regarding the broad nature of the proposed conditions.

Two Russian women, Natalia Dudina and Krystina Malyshko, were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on January 17, 2023, pending removal and immigration proceedings. The women had previously been encountered by immigration officials in December 2021. The Russian Embassy is seeking clarification on the circumstances of their detention.

USS Kentucky (BB-66) was laid down in 1944 but never completed, serving instead as a source of spare parts for other U.S. Navy ships. The ship's bow was donated to USS Wisconsin after a collision in 1956, and its engines were later salvaged for fast combat support ships. The cancellation of Kentucky marked the end of the battleship era, reflecting the U.S. Navy's shift towards aircraft carriers and missile technology.

The Canadian Armed Forces are experiencing a significant readiness crisis, with only 58% of forces able to respond to NATO requests and nearly half of military equipment deemed unserviceable. The Royal Canadian Air Force is exploring alternatives to the F-35 stealth fighter amid political tensions, while the Navy seeks to replace its aging Victoria-class submarines. A personnel shortfall of 15,780 further complicates the situation.

The U.S. Army selected three companies—Bell, M1, and Lockheed Martin—to advance to Phase III of the Flight School Next competition at Fort Rucker. This phase requires the submission of full Commercial Solution Proposals for training helicopter pilots. The Army aims to train 900 to 1,500 pilots annually and plans to award the contract by the end of September.

Washington Harbour Partners is investing in ground stations and related infrastructure to enhance U.S. space missions. The Pentagon announced a $150 million purchase of drone technology from selected manufacturers, while Overland AI raised $100 million to support autonomous vehicle development. Northrop Grumman acquired infantry squad vehicles to integrate a new fire control system.

Service members, veterans, and their families will have free access to over 2,500 hours of coverage for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics from February 6 to February 22, 2026, through a partnership between AAFES and NBCUniversal. Eligible individuals can stream the events via ShopMyExchange.com. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families.

The U.S. State Department has cleared potential arms sales to Israel valued at approximately $6.6 billion, which includes tactical vehicles, helicopters, and armored vehicle power packs. This action takes place against a backdrop of increasing tensions with Iran.

The U.S. Air Force is considering the sale of surplus A-10 Warthogs to Ukraine and Poland, which seek close air support capabilities. The aircraft, known for their effectiveness against armored vehicles, face challenges in pilot training and logistics. Despite concerns about their vulnerability, the A-10's combat record suggests it could significantly aid ground operations against Russian forces.

The U.S. Army has implemented a new retention bonus system that ties financial incentives to soldiers' physical fitness test scores and job performance. This policy, confirmed by military officials, prioritizes bonuses for those in hard-to-fill Military Occupational Specialties, particularly in cyber and special operations. The new tiered incentive program, known as QTIP, ranks soldiers based on their performance, with higher bonuses for top performers. This initiative aims to enhance retention of skilled personnel amid ongoing personnel shortages.

Canada is pursuing a plan to replace its aging Victoria-class submarines with a new fleet of 12 Arctic-capable submarines. The Royal Canadian Navy is currently modernizing the existing fleet, which is expected to remain operational until the mid-to-late 2030s. Germany's TKMS and South Korea's Hanwha are among the competitors for the new submarine contract, with a decision anticipated later this year. The entire procurement process may take 15 to 25 years to complete.

Dr. Andrew Latham argues that the Trump-class battleship, specifically the USS Defiant, is crucial for the U.S. Navy's strategic shift away from a carrier-centric model. He emphasizes that terminating the program after one hull would hinder the Navy's ability to adapt to modern warfare demands. The Trump-class is designed for networked, distributed combat, offering advantages in contested environments where traditional supercarriers may struggle.