Analysis & Reports

Russian satellites have been interfering with GPS signals across northern Europe, Greenland, and Canada since 2019, indicating the use of electronic warfare. This interference has also affected China's Bei Dou navigation system since 2020. The U.S. government has not established backup systems for GPS, despite the growing threat from Russia, which has a history of threatening to disrupt GPS services globally.

The U.S. Air Force is modernizing the F-22 Raptor, integrating advanced technologies and potentially upgrading 32 training-only Block 20 jets to combat status. This modernization includes new stealth fuel tanks and an Infrared Defensive System, with a budget of $90.34 million for FY2026. The F-22 is being utilized as a testbed for the upcoming F-47 fighter, ensuring that new capabilities are proven before their implementation.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $14 million contract modification to General Dynamics for the development of the MEDUSA robotic submarine, designed to covertly lay mines from submarines. This system, launched from a torpedo tube, is intended to enhance naval capabilities in contested waters. The contract modification reflects the Navy's ongoing commitment to developing this new mine-laying technology, with early testing indicating significant progress in its operational capabilities.

The U.S. Air Force cancelled the promotions of 135 security forces sergeants due to a grading error on a promotion test. This error incorrectly ranked these sergeants among the top candidates for promotion to technical sergeant. The Air Force is taking steps to prevent similar issues in the future and has initiated a supplemental promotion release for those affected.

The U.S. Army awarded Lockheed Martin a $502 million contract for ongoing support services for the M-TADS/PNVS system, which is critical for the AH-64 Apache helicopters. This contract, structured as a sole source acquisition, will ensure the maintenance and functionality of the system through July 5, 2031, supporting the Army's operational capabilities in various environments.

The U.S. Space Force awarded contracts to Impulse Space and Relativity Federal on July 7, allowing them to compete for launch missions under a $5.6 billion program. This initiative aims to diversify launch providers and reduce reliance on a limited number of companies. The contracts are part of a competitive process overseen by Space Systems Command at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California.

President Trump demanded the U.S. cut trade ties with Spain and made claims on Greenland during a NATO summit in Ankara. He criticized Spain as a poor NATO partner and declared the ceasefire with Iran over. His remarks disrupted the summit, which aimed to showcase unity among NATO allies regarding military spending and support for Ukraine. European leaders expressed concerns over Trump's demands and the implications for NATO solidarity.

Canada selected Germany's TKMS as the preferred supplier for the Type 212CD submarines to enhance its naval capabilities. This decision aims to address the country's defense needs in the Arctic and North Atlantic, with the first four submarines expected by 2034. The report highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive strategy to support this procurement.

The U.S. Navy evaluated the F-15N Sea Eagle as a potential carrier-based aircraft in the 1970s but rejected it due to its inability to carry the AIM-54 Phoenix missile, critical for fleet defense. The Navy ultimately chose the F-14 Tomcat, which offered unmatched capabilities for protecting carrier battle groups against Soviet threats. McDonnell Douglas attempted to modify the F-15N to meet naval specifications, but the project was ultimately terminated.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu opposed the U.S. sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during an interview in Washington on July 7. He argued that such a sale would not make Turkey a friendly nation and would disrupt the power balance in the Middle East. Meanwhile, President Trump indicated that U.S.-Turkey relations are improving and that a decision regarding Turkey's return to the F-35 program is forthcoming.

The U.S. Army tested the Autonomous Volcano mine dispenser at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in May 2023. The system can autonomously lay two minefields, covering 32 acres with up to 960 mines, without human assistance. This testing represents a modernization effort of legacy equipment, integrating unmanned systems to enhance combat engineering capabilities. The project was developed in collaboration with the United Kingdom and aims to improve battlefield operations.

The U.S. Army tested the Autonomous Volcano mine dispenser at Camp Grayling, Michigan, in May 2023. The system can autonomously lay two minefields, covering 32 acres with up to 960 mines, without human assistance. This testing represents a modernization effort to enhance combat engineering capabilities, developed in collaboration with the U.K. The Army plans further testing in realistic battlefield scenarios later this month.

Thirteen Democratic senators pressed the U.S. Air Force and L3Harris for answers regarding the rapid conversion of a Qatari-gifted Boeing 747 into Air Force One, citing concerns over national security and resource diversion. The senators highlighted that the conversion was expedited to meet a July 4 deadline, involving significant personnel and resources. They requested detailed information on costs and potential impacts on other defense priorities.

The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated the AGM-15AC Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) with B-1B Lancer bombers during a validation test at Dyess Air Force Base on June 2, 2022. This new capability enhances the bombers' maritime combat effectiveness, potentially allowing for strikes against Chinese naval forces. The Air Force plans to acquire 114 LRASMs to bolster its operational readiness in the Indo-Pacific region.

Lockheed Martin proposed an upgraded F-35 fighter jet, the 'Ferrari' F-35, which integrates sixth-generation technology. This proposal comes as the U.S. Air Force is already funding a new sixth-generation fighter and modernizing the F-22. The F-35's current Block 4 upgrade is significantly over budget and delayed, raising concerns about the feasibility of additional upgrades. The overall F-35 program is projected to exceed $2 trillion in costs.

A tailless, cranked-kite aircraft, likely a demonstrator for the F-47 fighter, was photographed flying over Area 51 at night. Experts suggest this indicates that the U.S. Air Force's sixth-generation program is advancing into flight testing, amid competition with China. The aircraft's design is reminiscent of the X-36 experimental program, optimized for supersonic cruise using advanced engines.

The U.S. Army has implemented new body composition standards requiring soldiers to maintain a waist-to-height ratio of less than 0.55, effective immediately. Soldiers will undergo assessments over the next 180 days before any separation for failing to meet these standards. The Marine Corps has set a stricter ratio of 0.52, while the Navy and Air Force adhere to the 0.55 standard. This change aims to ensure soldiers' health and fitness for combat.

The U.S. Department of Commerce is implementing the America First Arms Transfer Strategy (AFATS) to increase foreign defense sales of American-made defense articles. This strategy, initiated in February 2026, aims to streamline advocacy efforts and enhance support for U.S. defense companies in securing international contracts. The U.S. has already achieved significant success, with 176 contracts worth $318 billion since the strategy's inception, reflecting a strong commitment to maintaining its role as a leading defense supplier.

Canada announced the selection of TKMS as the preferred supplier for its largest defense procurement project, the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, on July 6. The project involves the purchase of up to 12 new submarines to replace the aging Victoria-class submarines, with a total value potentially reaching 100 billion CAD. The first four submarines are expected to be delivered by 2034, enhancing Canada's naval capabilities in the Arctic and coastal regions.

A bear entered the commissary at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, on July 5, 2023, browsing the produce section and consuming a peach before leaving. The incident was confirmed by an Air Force official and deemed incidental, with no people present during the event. The base has seen a reduction in bear incidents since introducing bear-resistant dumpsters.