Analysis & Reports

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each, significantly lower than previous models. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program.

The Pentagon is moving to buy thousands of affordable cruise missiles, reaching agreements with Anduril, CoAspire, and Zone 5 Technologies. The U.S. Air Force plans to purchase up to 8,000 missiles annually, with costs around $218,000 each. Deliveries are set to begin in 2027 as part of the Family of Affordable Mass Missiles program, which aims to enhance the U.S. arsenal with cost-effective options.

The U.S. military is experiencing a critical shortage of artillery shells, with only 600,000 remaining for the Army and Marine Corps. This shortage follows the provision of over 3 million rounds to Ukraine and is exacerbated by production issues at the Mesquite, Texas facility, which has not produced a key component for two years. The Army's goal of 100,000 rounds per month by October 2025 is currently unattainable due to systemic failures in the defense industrial base.

The U.S. Army has partnered with Auriga Space to test an electromagnetic weapon system in California. This three-year Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) aims to explore the potential of electromagnetic accelerators as a cost-effective alternative to conventional missile interceptors. The system, named Hermes, is designed for rapid engagement against drone swarms, addressing current supply chain challenges in interceptor production.

The U.S. Army is set to award contracts for the Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) program in August 2023. Concurrently, the Army is negotiating with AeroVironment for the Enduring-High Energy Laser (E-HEL) program, aimed at countering drone threats. The CAML will replace the Typhon long-range launcher, and the Army seeks to acquire 20 E-HEL systems by 2026.

The U.S. Air Force conducted a live-fire test of the YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, successfully firing an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile at a target over the Mojave Desert on October 31, 2025. This test marks a significant milestone in the development of unmanned fighter jets designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft. A human operator retained command throughout the engagement, ensuring that the decision to fire was not made autonomously.

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is resuming the launch of 21 Tranche 1 Transport Layer satellites on a SpaceX Falcon 9 in Washington on Thursday. This follows a strategic pause to address technical issues with previously launched satellites. The SDA aims to establish a constellation of 158 satellites to enhance military satellite capabilities, despite facing challenges with software, hardware, and regulatory approvals.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is undergoing a planned incremental availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia, which will last 18 months due to extensive fire damage and sewage system failures. Approximately 4000 workers will conduct necessary repairs, including inspections and maintenance of various systems. This downtime is significant for the U.S. Navy's operational readiness during a critical period.

William Upham, a Marine veteran running for Congress in Florida, made threatening comments about President Trump in a video, calling him the 'antichrist' and stating he must be killed. The Marine Corps condemned Upham's statements, emphasizing they violate military values, and confirmed his medical discharge on May 30, 2025. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao also denounced Upham's remarks as unacceptable.

The Space Development Agency is set to launch 21 Tranche 1 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Thursday. This launch follows a nine-month pause due to technical issues with earlier satellites. The satellites are part of a military communication network, and there are concerns about the agency's future as draft legislation proposes to dissolve it.

The U.S. Navy is struggling with its new warship programs, including the Littoral Combat Ship, Zumwalt destroyer, and Constellation frigate, all of which have failed to meet expectations. The Government Accountability Office has identified ongoing issues with the Navy's shipbuilding practices, indicating that new programs are likely to repeat past mistakes. Meanwhile, China's naval expansion continues to pose a significant challenge to U.S. maritime capabilities.

The US Air Force's YFQ-44A drone successfully fired an AMRAAM missile during a recent test over the Mojave Desert. This marks the first time a wingman drone has fired a live munition, demonstrating advanced capabilities in autonomous operations. The test was conducted from Edwards Air Force Base, with plans for a similar test involving the YFQ-42A drone in the fall.

House Republicans unveiled a $60 billion defense funding bill in Washington today, which falls short of the $67 billion requested by the White House. This proposal is part of a reconciliation process that allows the bill to pass on party lines, bypassing the Senate filibuster. The funding aims to cover various defense-related expenses, including munitions and operational costs.

ZeroUSV completed the construction of the Oceanus17, a 17-meter robotic ship designed for extended ocean patrols. The vessel, which can operate for over 50 days without returning to port, features advanced autonomous navigation and a significant payload capacity. It will undergo final preparations at ZeroUSV's headquarters in Plymouth before its public debut next month.

President Trump urged defense executives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to accelerate weapons production and expand manufacturing capacity amid strains on U.S. stockpiles from ongoing conflicts. The roundtable discussion highlighted the need for faster delivery of advanced weapons systems and the importance of strengthening the U.S. industrial base. The Pentagon is encouraging defense companies to invest in expanding factories to meet soaring demand for military equipment.

The U.S. Navy faces a significant operational challenge as 37-40% of its nuclear attack submarines are currently unavailable due to maintenance delays at aging shipyards. This situation has resulted in over 33,700 days of maintenance delays since 2014, costing the Navy approximately $4.2 billion in support for idle submarines. The Navy is attempting to address these issues through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program, but improvements are expected to take two decades.

In the 1950s, the U.S. Navy modified three Iowa-class battleships to carry nuclear artillery shells, each with a yield comparable to the Hiroshima bomb. Historical accounts suggest these battleships may have gone to sea with the shells, although the Navy has never confirmed this. The nuclear shells were withdrawn from service in 1962, and the battleships were later reactivated in the 1980s with nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles.

Russia's submarine force remains a significant threat to NATO in 2026, with 8 Borei-class submarines and ongoing modernization efforts. The fleet faces challenges, including slow production rates and operational losses, but continues to operate effectively in strategic regions like the Arctic and North Atlantic. The introduction of new capabilities, such as the Khabarovsk carrier for Poseidon torpedoes, underscores its importance in Russia's military strategy.

Shell Shock Technologies announced the successful completion of live-fire testing for its .50 BMG NAS3™ case in Eubank, Kentucky, in July 2026. The testing confirmed that the NAS3 case provides significant performance advantages, including a muzzle velocity of 3,111 feet per second and a weight reduction of approximately 40% compared to standard brass cases. Production is underway, with the product expected to be available for purchase in August 2026.

The U.S. Navy issued a Sources Sought notice on July 14, 2023, seeking proposals for unmanned fighters capable of operating from aircraft carriers and striking targets 1,000 nautical miles away. This initiative is part of the Navy's modernization efforts, including the MQ-25A Stingray and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. Companies have until August 13, 2023, to submit their designs and manufacturing plans.