Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin nearly $100 million to upgrade the radar system of the MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. This modernization focuses on the AN/APS-153 radar system's data processing technology, with completion expected by April 2031. The upgrade will enhance capabilities for both U.S. Navy variants and allied nations operating the helicopter. Work will be distributed across facilities in Owego, Farmingdale, and Stratford.

The MDCX command and control platform successfully controlled the first flight of the U.S. Navy’s MQ-25A Stingray at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on April 22, 2026. This historic flight underscores the platform's capabilities in unmanned aviation and its integration with the Navy's future air operations. The achievement reflects a strong partnership between Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Navy in advancing unmanned vehicle control.

Boeing and the U.S. Navy successfully completed the first test flight of the MQ-25A Stingray at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on April 27, 2026. The two-hour flight demonstrated the aircraft's autonomous capabilities, including taxiing, takeoff, flight, and landing. This milestone marks a significant advancement towards integrating unmanned aircraft into carrier operations, enhancing the operational range and effectiveness of the carrier air wing.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a contract to Near Earth Autonomy for the development of the MARV-EL, an autonomous cargo helicopter, on April 28, 2026. This system is designed to transport supplies to remote locations without risking crew members. The Bell 505 helicopter will be modified for this purpose, aiming for a 1,300-pound payload and a 100-nautical-mile combat radius. The program will take 36 months to complete integration and flight testing.

Team Wendy unveiled the RECON Tactical bump helmet in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 27, 2026. This helmet is designed for military, law enforcement, and rescue operations, featuring advanced protection and compatibility with various accessories. It offers a lightweight design and meets multiple safety standards for impact protection, making it suitable for diverse mission needs.

Patriot Contract Services LLC received a $746 million contract from the U.S. Navy on April 27, 2026, for the operation and maintenance of T-AGOS and T-AGM ships. These vessels are crucial for undersea warfare and missile test tracking, with operations expected to continue through 2032 if all options are exercised. The contract emphasizes the Navy's reliance on small businesses for auxiliary fleet operations.

Palantir Technologies supports U.S. military operations by providing AI systems that enhance target selection and operational planning. The technology has been utilized in military actions against Iran and Venezuela, allowing for rapid identification of targets and resource allocation. Additionally, the UK has contracted Palantir for defense applications, and the company is involved in developing missile defense systems.

The U.S. Army and Navy are developing the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) to enhance missile defense capabilities. The system will start with a 150-kilowatt laser, scalable to 300 kilowatts, with a total projected funding of $675.93 million through fiscal 2031. Lockheed Martin is anticipated to secure contracts for its development, which aims to tackle the complexities of countering cruise missile threats.

The U.S. Army and Navy are developing the Joint Laser Weapon System (JLWS) as part of a missile defense initiative, with initial funding of $94.825 million requested for fiscal 2027. The system will feature a 150-kilowatt laser, scalable to 300-500kw, aimed at countering cruise missile threats. Total funding for JLWS R&D is projected at $675.93 million through fiscal 2031, with Lockheed Martin likely to secure development contracts.

NASA operated the SR-71 Blackbird and conducted tests on the YF-12 aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base from 1991 to 1999. The YF-12, originally designed as an interceptor, was used for research and testing purposes, including studies on supersonic flight and aerodynamics. NASA's work contributed to advancements in aircraft design and technology.

The U.S. Navy's Zumwalt-class destroyers, intended to modernize the surface fleet, faced significant failures, resulting in only three being built. On December 22, 2025, President Trump announced the Trump-class battleship, aiming to address the strategic needs unmet by the Zumwalt-class. The report highlights the challenges and ambitions of both classes in the context of modern naval warfare.

The U.S. Navy is reviewing the cost and design of its Ford-class aircraft carriers, including CVN-82 and CVN-83, as confirmed by Navy Secretary John Phelan during the Sea-Air-Space symposium in Washington on April 21, 2026. This review aims to assess the long-term value and affordability of the program amid increasing shipbuilding costs and strategic demands. The review is expected to conclude by the end of May 2026.

The U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray successfully completed its first test flight from Boeing's facility in Mascoutah, Illinois, on Saturday. The flight lasted approximately two hours, during which pilots validated the aircraft's flight controls and performance. The Stingray is designed to enhance aerial refueling capabilities for carrier air wings, allowing manned fighters to focus on their primary missions. Further test flights are planned before the aircraft is ferried to Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

The U.S. Navy's MQ-25A Stingray successfully completed its first test flight on Saturday from MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, flying for about two hours. This unmanned aerial refueling aircraft is designed to enhance the combat range of carrier air wings by taking over refueling missions from crewed fighters. The Navy plans additional test flights and a ferry flight to Naval Air Station Patuxent River later this year.

The U.S. Navy's MQ-25 Stingray unmanned aerial system completed its first test flight at MidAmerica Airport in Mascoutah, Illinois, on Saturday. This flight demonstrated the aircraft's autonomous capabilities, paving the way for future carrier operations. The Navy plans to conduct additional test flights and aims for initial operating capability by fiscal year 2029.

The U.S. Army plans to enhance its fleet by adding 606 ISV-Heavy vehicles, a heavier, hybrid-powered variant of the Infantry Squad Vehicle. This new model focuses on onboard power generation and supports various mission areas, including command and control and medical evacuation. The first phase of the solicitation was completed on April 13, with further timelines yet to be released.

The U.S. Army plans to enhance its fleet by adding 606 ISV-Heavy vehicles, a heavier, hybrid-powered variant of the Infantry Squad Vehicle. This new model focuses on onboard power generation and supports various mission areas, including command and control and medical evacuation. The first phase of the solicitation was completed on April 13, with further timelines yet to be released.

Oshkosh Defense showcases the ROGUE-Fires, an autonomous ground vehicle equipped with anti-ship missiles, and the upgraded MTVR 4×4 logistics vehicle at the Modern Day Marine exhibition in Washington D.C. from April 28 to 30, 2026. The ROGUE-Fires enhances the Marine Corps' ability to operate in contested maritime environments, while the MTVR 4×4 provides critical logistics support with mobile power capabilities.

The Pentagon proposed a nearly $54 billion budget for the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group (DAWG) for fiscal year 2027 to enhance the development of drones and unmanned systems. This budget marks a significant increase from the previous year's funding and aims to unify efforts in drone procurement and operations. The DAWG will also collaborate with U.S. Southern Command on drone initiatives to address regional security threats.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy proposed to increase F-35 fighter jet procurement over the next five years, with the Air Force planning to buy 42 jets and the Navy and Marine Corps aiming for 47 jets next year. This proposal is part of a broader defense budget request of $1.5 trillion, despite criticism regarding the aircraft's cost and readiness issues. The F-35 has been actively used in operations against Iran recently.