Analysis & Reports

The White House has directed the Pentagon and NASA to develop and launch nuclear reactors into orbit by 2028 and on the Moon by 2030. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. capabilities in space exploration and defense, establishing a reliable energy source for military operations. The Pentagon is required to report on relevant use-cases and payloads within 90 days, as the U.S. seeks to lead in space nuclear power.

The Trump administration announced a strategy to develop nuclear power in space, with plans for the Pentagon to demonstrate an orbital nuclear reactor by 2031. NASA and the DoD will collaborate on design competitions for space reactors, while also incentivizing private sector investment. This initiative aims to ensure a sustained American presence in space and maintain a competitive edge over adversaries like China and Russia.

Elbit America produces the SIGMA Mobile Tactical Cannon in Charleston, South Carolina, designed for modern warfare with features like 360-degree firing and rapid mobility. The system emphasizes survivability and utilizes a domestic supply chain to enhance logistics and reduce costs. It is currently in full-rate production and offers significant advantages over traditional artillery systems.

Ukraine inflicts heavy losses on Russian forces, achieving a kill ratio of 1:5, as reported by Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Milan. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have utilized drones effectively, with 95% of recent kills attributed to drone strikes. Stubb noted that Russian casualties are approximately 150 to 157 dead per square kilometer. The report highlights Ukraine's growing drone capabilities and power projection up to 3,000 kilometers.

Chinese scientists at the China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center (CARDC) claimed to have identified aerodynamic weaknesses in the B-21 Raider stealth bomber using the PADJ-X AI simulation platform. This analysis, published in a scientific paper, suggests potential vulnerabilities in the U.S. military's advanced aircraft. The findings may aid China in optimizing its own stealth bomber designs, although the B-21's classified features limit the certainty of these claims.

Collins Aerospace received contracts from Bell Textron to supply five primary systems for the US Army's Future Long Range Assault Aircraft, designated as the MV-75. This development is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the US Army's aviation assets.

Iran launched new missile systems, including the Sejjil and Khorramshahr-4, against Israel, marking their combat debut. The US also utilized the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and a reverse-engineered drone in the conflict. An attempted long-range strike on Diego Garcia was reported, showcasing Iran's expanding capabilities. Both nations are actively engaging with upgraded weaponry in the ongoing conflict.

Iran launched new missile systems, including the Sejjil and Khorramshahr-4, against Israel in March 2025. The US also deployed the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) and a new drone, LUCAS, in combat. An attempted long-range strike on Diego Garcia was reported, showcasing Iran's expanding capabilities. The conflict marks a significant escalation in military operations between the US and Iran.

The U.S. Navy decided to inactivate the USS Boise (SSN 764) after spending $800 million on repairs since 2015, with total costs reaching $3 billion. The submarine, which has not been operational since 2015, is only 22% complete in its overhaul. This decision allows the Navy to redirect resources to newer submarine classes amid increasing pressures in the Indo-Pacific region.

Soldiers from the XVIII Airborne Corps conducted training at Oak Grove Training Center, North Carolina, on April 9, 2026, using 5.56mm L-variant Drone Rounds to shoot down First Person View drones. This training aimed to enhance readiness against small unmanned aerial systems, with the new ammunition designed to improve effectiveness without modifying existing weapons. The exercise reflects ongoing military efforts to adapt to drone threats.

In mid-2024, the U.S. military, through Project Maven, deployed AI warfare systems that significantly enhanced target engagement capabilities, increasing the number of targets hit daily from under 100 to 5,000. The Maven Smart System is now utilized across all military branches and is being adopted by NATO. Drew Cukor, a former Marine Corps colonel, played a pivotal role in this transformation, advocating for the integration of AI into military operations to improve efficiency and reduce civilian casualties.

Rolls-Royce is enhancing U.S. Army aviation capabilities by developing the MV-75 Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program, powered by AE 1107 engines that offer double the speed and range of existing aircraft. The company has invested significantly in advanced manufacturing and technology to ensure mission readiness and operational effectiveness in complex theaters like the Indo-Pacific. The AE engine family has a proven track record with over 90 million flight hours, demonstrating reliability and performance in military operations.

Redwire delivered Stalker drones to the U.S. Marine Corps as part of a contract worth over $20 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. This order includes the Advanced Navigation version of the Stalker Block 30 drone, enhancing capabilities for long-range reconnaissance in contested environments. The acquisition supports the Navy and Marine Corps' small tactical drone program, further expanding the existing fleet of over 250 Stalker aircraft already in service.

The U.S. Air Force is increasing the F-15EX Eagle II fleet from 98 to between 129 and 150 jets as of late 2025. This decision is driven by operational demands and the global threat environment. The F-15EX features advanced capabilities, including hypersonic weapons and the Stormbreaker bomb, enhancing its combat effectiveness against enemy aircraft.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the B-21 Raider, a long-range stealth bomber, which was unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California. The B-21 features advanced technologies that enhance its stealth capabilities and operational efficiency, making it smaller and lighter than the B-2 bomber. A second test aircraft arrived at Edwards Air Force Base on September 11, 2025, to expand mission systems and weapons integration testing.

Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force are advancing the Sentinel program, targeting first flight in 2027 and initial capability in the early 2030s. The program includes significant investments in infrastructure and R&D, with a focus on developing a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) system. Key milestones include successful testing of missile components and a robust supply chain involving over 10,000 professionals.

In January 2026, Ukraine's Defence Ministry reported that 80% of enemy targets destroyed were due to drones, while 70-80% of casualties in the Ukraine War resulted from unmanned systems. Concurrently, a 10-person Ukrainian drone team simulated kills against 17 NATO tanks during a military exercise in Estonia. The Pentagon established Joint Interagency Task Force 401 to enhance counter-drone capabilities across military installations.

Lockheed Martin Space received a $68.5 million contract modification for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Geosynchronous program, with a total contract value of $8.2 billion. The work will be conducted in Boulder, Colorado, and is expected to be completed by August 2028. This program aims to enhance missile detection capabilities and replace the existing Space Based Infrared System.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $183 million contract to General Dynamics NASSCO-Norfolk for maintenance and modernization of the guided-missile destroyer USS Truxtun in Norfolk, Virginia. The work is part of the ship's Fiscal Year 2026 Depot Modernization Period, expected to be completed by April 2028. The contract includes options that could increase its total value to approximately $183.6 million.

The U.S. Army and Day & Zimmermann inaugurated a new Load, Assemble, and Pack facility in Parsons, Kansas, dedicated to producing 155mm M795 artillery projectiles. This facility, with a production capacity of 12,000 projectiles per month, represents a $36 million investment aimed at expanding the Army's munitions production capabilities. It is part of a broader effort to increase artillery production to meet current global demands.