Analysis & Reports

Lockheed Martin was awarded a $3 billion contract by the US Army for the production of Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) rockets, set for fiscal year 2026.

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.

AEVEX Corp. secured a $50 million contract from the U.S. Air Force on June 30, 2026, to enhance unmanned mission-support capabilities with GPS-resistant strike drones. The contract aims to develop a long-range precision strike platform suitable for contested environments. This initiative reflects a strategic shift in military operations towards the use of autonomous systems capable of operating without GPS.

The U.S. Air Force continues to utilize both the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II fighters, with ongoing debates about their respective capabilities. The F-35 is seen as an advanced information warfare platform, while the F-22 retains superiority in air combat. Recent assessments highlight the F-35's low combat readiness and significant cost overruns, contrasting with the F-22's continuous upgrades and performance in beyond-visual-range engagements.

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.

Northrop Grumman secured a $312 million contract from the U.S. Navy on June 24, 2026, to produce additional Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program Block 3 systems. This contract expands the production of advanced electronic jamming technology for destroyers, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships, with completion expected by August 2029. The SEWIP Block 3 system enhances the Navy's electronic warfare capabilities, allowing ships to jam incoming missile guidance systems.

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.

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 U.S. Navy retired the Spruance-class destroyers, decommissioning them between 2000 and 2005, and sank most as gunnery targets. Initially criticized for their limited armament, these ships later proved adaptable, launching Tomahawk missiles during conflicts. The decision to retire them is now seen as costly, as the Navy faces a shortage of destroyers.

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.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $20 million contract to Overland AI for the production of about a dozen autonomous ground vehicles designed to enhance air defense capabilities. These vehicles will support operations by transporting air defense systems with reduced human oversight and are expected to be delivered in approximately nine months. Overland AI's technology has been utilized in various military exercises, indicating a growing demand for autonomous systems in U.S. military operations.

Men undergoing Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, experienced greater hormonal changes than women, according to a study conducted between 2022 and 2023. The research involved 27 men and 10 women and highlighted the physiological impacts of stressors like limited sleep and calorie deficits. Findings suggest that male physiology is more affected in multi-stressor environments, which could inform future interventions for soldier health and performance.

A study conducted by the U.S. Army Research Institute found that men experienced greater hormonal changes than women during Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, from 2022 to 2023. Women finished the course in better physiological condition, showing limited alterations compared to men. The research involved 27 men and 10 women, focusing on the impact of stressors on soldiers' health and performance.

The U.S. Navy faces operational risks as Boeing and Lockheed Martin withdrew from the Undergraduate Jet Training System competition, leaving Textron/Leonardo and Sierra Nevada Corporation as the remaining bidders. The aging T-45 Goshawk trainer, which has been in service since the 1990s, is prone to failures and safety concerns, prompting urgent calls for its replacement. Delays in procurement could exacerbate pilot training shortfalls and operational readiness issues.

Lance Cpl. Armando Ortiz Canseco, a 21-year-old Marine from Minnesota, was declared dead after a 43-hour search following his disappearance from the USS Anchorage off the coast of California on June 25, 2023. Recovery operations were conducted by Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard personnel. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance are currently under investigation.

Honeywell Aerospace has officially spun off as an independent, publicly-traded company in Washington, focusing on defense and commercial aviation. This strategic move, announced in February 2025, allows the company to pursue tailored strategies for revenue growth. With 36,000 employees, Honeywell Aerospace is now trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market.