Analysis & Reports

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps conducted the first landing of a V-22 Osprey at Miyako Airport on June 29, part of a joint military exercise. Local citizens protested the landing, expressing concerns over safety and potential military use of the airport. The exercise aimed at casualty transport was ultimately canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

The Pentagon and the Office of Personnel Management announced the launch of the War Force program to hire hundreds of software engineers for two-year tours. This initiative aims to embed engineers at the unit level within the Defense Department, focusing on skills in artificial intelligence. War Force builds on the existing Tech Force program, which seeks to recruit at least a thousand engineers across various agencies.

Rheinmetall is supplying long-range artillery ammunition to Ukraine, including 155-mm artillery shells and propellant charges. Production has commenced at Rheinmetall Expal Munitions in Spain, with the contract expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2027. The contract value will be recognized in the second quarter of 2026, and Rheinmetall aims to produce approximately 1.5 million shells annually by 2030.

Russian investigators opened criminal cases against officials and contractors for embezzling approximately 500 million rubles ($6.4 million) intended for naval infrastructure at the Caspian Flotilla's base in Kaspiysk. The defendants allegedly fabricated documents to divert funds to shell companies, impacting military readiness and logistics. This case is part of a broader pattern of corruption in Russian defense procurement, with the same individuals linked to multiple fraud investigations across various regions.

The U.S. Army awarded a $35 million contract modification to BAE Systems for additional production of Cold Weather All-Terrain Vehicles (CATVs) on June 30, 2026. The 11th Airborne Division, based at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, will primarily receive these vehicles, which are designed for Arctic operations. This contract continues the Army's investment in Arctic mobility amid growing strategic competition in the region.

Esh-Tech raised $18 million to enhance production of its DroneLight laser counter-drone system in Israel. The funding will support the establishment of a production line and international sales expansion. The DroneLight system, which utilizes rapid laser pulses to disable drones, was showcased at Eurosatory 2026 in Paris and is designed to address the growing threat of drone swarms in modern combat.

The 8th Theater Sustainment Command of the United States Army is currently utilizing artificial intelligence and autonomous watercraft to enhance logistics operations in the Pacific. The command is testing a new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) and aims to deploy 30 to 100 medium-sized autonomous vessels across the region to meet logistical demands. Current maritime laws are being evaluated to facilitate the use of unmanned systems in port operations.

The U.S. Army is addressing the Pacific lift gap by developing a fleet of 100 autonomous drone boats for logistics support, aiming for testing by summer 2025. The mission-capable rate of existing Pacific-based watercraft has significantly declined, prompting the activation of additional transportation units. The Army's new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light) has demonstrated capabilities for shallow-water operations, essential for island-chain conflicts.

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The AWESOME project was launched in Brussels on 25 June 2026 to assess wind propulsion systems in maritime transport. Coordinated by Kongsberg Maritime, the initiative involves 14 partners and aims to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Two vessels, including a chemical tanker and a hybrid ro-ro cargo vessel, will serve as demonstrators to generate validated performance data and support the adoption of sustainable technologies.

The 74th Group Army conducted full-process assessments in logistics support roles in the Gobi Desert, focusing on driving, medical, and cooking capabilities. Multiple vehicles were deployed for rapid movement, and medical personnel established field stations for casualty treatment. Cooking teams efficiently prepared and delivered meals under time constraints. The unit plans to address identified shortcomings to enhance operational readiness.

Russian forces launched 108 drones in a strike on June 28-29, 2023, with 82 intercepted by Ukraine. Concurrently, Ukraine targeted Russian logistical infrastructure, including railway bridges and command posts, in occupied territories. The situation reflects ongoing military operations with no confirmed territorial advances by either side, highlighting the pressure dynamics in the conflict.

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The U.S. Air Force awarded $471 million in contracts to 28 companies on June 24, 2026, to enhance the exchange and repair of KC-46 Pegasus tanker parts. This initiative aims to address persistent supply issues affecting the aerial refueling fleet, which is vital for military operations. The contracts will improve parts availability and support a broader readiness campaign, with the goal of increasing fleet readiness by over 20 percent by 2030.

L3Harris Technologies secured a $614 million contract from U.S. Special Operations Command on June 29, 2026, for logistics support of the AN/ALQ-211 electronic warfare system. This system protects U.S. Special Operations aircraft from radar-guided missiles and is integrated into platforms like the CV-22 Osprey and MH-47G Chinook. The contract reflects a long-standing relationship between L3Harris and U.S. Special Operations Command, ensuring the system remains effective against evolving radar threats.

The U.S. Army Reserve utilized the TugVolt autonomous railcar to move military cargo during Operation Sentinel Justice at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, in June 2026. Soldiers trained on the system and effectively operated it to meet real logistics needs when actual cargo arrived. This exercise demonstrated the potential of the TugVolt to enhance military logistics and address manpower shortages in rail operations.

GuideTech secured a $2.3 million contract with an unnamed defense contractor to provide technology for a low-cost kinetic counter-UAS interceptor system on June 29, 2026. The contract includes the BRAIN flight computer and FLEX flight software, which are designed to enhance drone interception capabilities. This development is part of a broader trend in U.S. defense procurement focusing on affordable solutions to counter drone threats.

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Marine Corps conducted joint training exercises focused on island supply operations at Ishigaki Airport and Ishigaki Port from June 20 to June 30, 2023. The training included logistics operations for transporting personnel and equipment, highlighting the importance of maintaining civilian infrastructure during military operations. Coordination with local authorities was also emphasized to minimize disruption during the exercises.

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The Marine Corps has contracted Overland AI for the production of over a dozen autonomous ground vehicles, expected to be delivered by early 2027. These vehicles will enhance resupply missions and support counterdrone operations as part of the Marine Air Defense Integrated Systems program. The technology allows for full autonomy and remote operation, addressing the increasing demand for uncrewed ground vehicles in military operations.

The U.S. Air Force maintains 185 F-22 Raptors, focusing on the upkeep of low-observable coatings essential for stealth. Maintenance demands have hindered mission-capable rates, with costs exceeding $1.6 billion in fiscal 2020. The F-22's stealth capabilities require ongoing attention to ensure operational readiness, particularly as the fleet ages and environmental factors impact coating integrity.

The ex-USS Long Beach (CGN-9) hull is currently at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, awaiting final disposal after being decommissioned in 1995. The U.S. Navy has determined that the ship is ineligible for historic preservation due to the loss of significant features. As of June 29, 2026, the Navy is planning the disposal process, which includes the removal of defueled nuclear reactors and the need for specialized industrial capacity.

The U.S. Army has transitioned its production focus from the M7 rifle to the XM8 carbine, part of the Next Generation Squad Weapon program. This change aims to provide soldiers with lighter and more effective weaponry for close combat. The Army has not made any purchases of the M7 rifle in the current fiscal year, which began on October 1. The XM8 carbine features improvements based on soldier feedback, enhancing its usability in combat situations.