Analysis & Reports

USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) completed its first sea trial in Norfolk, Virginia, and is expected to be delivered to the U.S. Navy early next year. The Ford-class carrier features an advanced Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which aims to enhance aircraft launch capabilities. Concerns remain regarding the reliability of this new system compared to traditional steam catapults, and the Kennedy is anticipated to be stationed at a naval base on the West Coast after entering service.

The U.S. Air Force is testing autonomy on multiple drone wingman prototypes using the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA). This framework allows integration of various technologies from different vendors, promoting a competitive ecosystem for future collaborative combat aircraft. General Atomics and Anduril have successfully conducted semi-autonomous flights, while Northrop's Project Talon CCA is set to compete in the program.

The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated autonomous software into its prototype collaborative combat aircraft, YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A, marking a significant milestone in its CCA strategy. This integration, utilizing the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA), aims to enhance operational capabilities and prevent vendor lock-in. The Air Force plans to deploy at least 1,000 CCAs for various missions, including strike operations and reconnaissance, with ground testing set to begin in 2025.

The U.S. Air Force successfully integrated autonomous software into its prototype collaborative combat aircraft, marking a significant milestone in its CCA strategy. The Air Force plans to deploy at least 1,000 CCAs for missions such as strike operations and reconnaissance. Ground testing for the YFQ-42A and YFQ-44A began in spring 2025, utilizing the Autonomy Government Reference Architecture (A-GRA) for software integration.

The U.S. Navy plans to construct 20-25 Trump-class battleships by 2026, each costing $10-$15 billion. These ships are intended to incorporate advanced weapon systems like hypersonic missiles and railguns. However, critics warn that the program is strategically flawed against China's anti-access/area-denial capabilities and faces significant technological and funding hurdles.

Fortem Technologies will deploy counter-drone systems at 11 venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, starting June 11. This multimillion-dollar contract from the Department of Homeland Security aims to protect matches from hostile drones using technologies like DroneHunter and signal jamming. The initiative is part of a broader $115 million investment in counter-drone technology to secure major events.

The US Army successfully defeated drone swarms using the Coyote Block 3 Non-Kinetic counter-uncrewed aircraft system during an exercise in the United States.

The U.S. Air Force is delivering 126 F-35 Lightning II aircraft without their intended AN/APG-85 radar systems due to engineering mismatches. This delivery began in June 2025 and is expected to conclude in September 2026. The radar system's development has faced significant delays, impacting the aircraft's operational capabilities. The Block 4 modernization of the F-35 is now projected to be completed by 2031, five years later than initially planned.

The U.S. Navy is ramping up construction of Columbia-class submarines, with the first, District of Columbia, expected to be delivered in 2028. Full-rate construction will begin in 2031, and the second submarine, Wisconsin, is on track for a 2030 delivery. An acceleration plan has been successfully implemented to enhance the construction schedule.

A Louisiana National Guardsman left an M4 carbine in a bathroom at the Lafitte Hotel and Bar on Bourbon Street on February 8. The weapon was recovered the same day, and the incident is under investigation. Service members are required to maintain accountability of their weapons, and losing one can lead to administrative consequences.

The U.S. Army is conducting live-fire tests of the Next Generation Rocket Assisted Projectile (NGRAP) at Yuma Proving Ground. This new 155mm artillery round is designed to replace the legacy M549A1 and extend the range of current howitzer systems. The tests evaluate the projectile's structural integrity and performance under high-pressure conditions, utilizing advanced tracking and recording technologies.

The U.S. Marine Corps selected General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. for the MUX TACAIR program on 10 February 2026, focusing on the integration of mission systems into the YFQ-42A platform. This initiative aims to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments through advanced uncrewed aircraft systems. The YFQ-42A, which successfully flew for the first time in August 2025, will be evaluated for its capabilities in future Marine Corps missions.

Echodyne announced the opening of a new 86,350-square-foot manufacturing facility in Kirkland, Washington, on February 11, 2026. This facility will enable the production of over 30,000 radars annually, driven by increasing demand for high-resolution radar surveillance. The expansion reflects Echodyne's commitment to enhancing security and supporting the defense industrial base with its advanced MESA radar technology.

The Marine Corps is developing its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program using the YFQ-42A drone from General Atomics as a testbed. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of the F-35B jets in various threat environments. The program is part of the 2026 Marine Aviation Plan, which has received significant funding from the National Defense Authorization Act.

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded a contract to Davie Defense for five Arctic Security Cutters, with three to be built in Texas and two in Finland. This contract is part of a broader agreement with Finland to enhance U.S. icebreaking capabilities in the Arctic, with the first deliveries expected in 2028. Davie Defense plans to establish a shipbuilding facility in Texas to support this initiative.

The U.S. Navy is pursuing long-range strike drones that can be launched from destroyers and other warships lacking large flight decks. This initiative aims to enhance naval combat capabilities amid concerns over limited aircraft carriers and missile systems. The solicitation specifies requirements for range, payload, and operational autonomy, with a proposal deadline of February 27.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a contract to Kodiak AI to integrate its autonomous driving system into Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) for the ROGUE Fires platform. This technology aims to enhance operational capabilities and reduce risks to Marines during missions. The ROGUE Fires platform will utilize the Navy Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, which includes anti-ship missile capabilities. Kodiak AI's technology has been tested in military contexts, showcasing its effectiveness in unstructured environments.

The U.S. Navy is advancing laser weapons technology, with Adm. Daryl Caudle advocating for a comprehensive directed energy strategy. The new Trump-class battleships are expected to enhance the Navy's capabilities, driving the integration of laser systems across the fleet. The destroyer Preble has already been equipped with the HELIOS system, and successful testing of laser systems occurred in 2025.

The Marine Corps is implementing safety-focused overhauls to its MV-22 Osprey aircraft following nearly 20 accidents in two years. Key changes include replacing gearbox components and updating engine compartments with new computers and sensors. The Osprey has been involved in multiple mishaps, prompting the service to address safety concerns and improve operational reliability.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced a contract for the production of five Arctic Security Cutters, expanding its icebreaker fleet to a total of 11. The cutters will be manufactured by Davie Defense, Inc. in Finland and the U.S., following previous contracts for six additional cutters. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. capabilities in the Arctic amid increasing geopolitical tensions.