Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy has decided to halt the Constellation-class frigate program due to significant design issues and cost overruns. As of April 2025, only 10% of the first ship, USS Constellation, was completed. Secretary of the Navy John Cartwright Phelan emphasized the need for readiness and announced a strategic shift away from this program, while the first two ships remain under review.

Saronic raised nearly $2 billion to expand its shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana, focusing on developing autonomous vessels for the U.S. Navy's medium unmanned surface vessel program. The funding will support the construction of a new facility, Port Alpha, which aims to significantly increase production capacity. This expansion aligns with the Navy's strategy to integrate more autonomous technologies into its fleet.

NORAD Commander Gregory M. Guillot stated that Canada does not necessarily need the F-35 fighter jets to defend its borders, suggesting that the F-15EX Eagle II could be sufficient. This statement comes amid ongoing debates in Canada regarding the planned acquisition of 88 F-35s, which has been a contentious political issue since 2010. The Liberal government confirmed the purchase of F-35s in January 2023, despite previous opposition to the deal.

The U.S. military is significantly increasing missile production, including THAAD interceptors, SM-6 missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles, to address current conflicts and prepare for potential future threats. This ramp-up includes a fourfold increase in THAAD production and substantial increases in other missile systems, reflecting the urgency of replenishing stockpiles and enhancing military capabilities. The changes are part of a broader strategy to maintain U.S. military superiority amid rising global tensions.

The YF-118G Bird of Prey was developed by the U.S. Air Force in the 1990s as a low-cost technology demonstrator for stealth capabilities. It was part of a classified program until its public unveiling in 2002 and influenced subsequent unmanned systems like the Boeing X-45. The program aimed to simplify stealth technology and reduce costs, laying the groundwork for modern military aircraft designs.

The U.S. Army aims for the Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) to achieve full qualification by 2028, following delays and funding challenges. The program received $175 million in fiscal 2026 to continue testing, which includes 6,500 hours of required evaluations. The first flight test occurred in May 2023 with a UH-60 Black Hawk, and the ITEP is designed to replace existing T700 engines in military helicopters.

Northrop Grumman demonstrated the capabilities of its Lumberjack drone during the U.S. Army's Operation Lethal Eagle on March 31. The drone showcased autonomous mission control and simulated the deployment of the Hatchet precision strike munition. It utilized AI for adaptive targeting and maintained beyond-line-of-sight communications for real-time updates. The exercise evaluated multiple emerging systems from the defense industrial base, highlighting collaboration between military and industry.

The U.S. Air Force is developing the F-47 NGAD stealth fighter, which is expected to revolutionize air combat with its advanced stealth, speed, and AI capabilities. This aircraft will operate in the Pacific, enhancing U.S. military readiness against potential threats from China. The F-47 will utilize cutting-edge technologies, including AI for targeting and control of unmanned systems, to maintain air superiority.

The U.S. Navy developed the A-12 Avenger II stealth bomber program from 1983 until its cancellation in 1991 due to cost overruns and technological challenges. Initially intended to replace the A-6 Intruder, the program aimed for a fleet of 620 aircraft but was ultimately abandoned after $5 billion was spent. The cancellation left a significant gap in U.S. Naval aviation capabilities until the introduction of the F-35C.

Marine Corporal Andrew Paul Amarillas was indicted for stealing and selling Javelin Missile Systems and other military-grade weapons from Camp Pendleton, California, to co-conspirators in Arizona. The theft occurred between February 2022 and January 2026, with some stolen items recovered. Amarillas faces multiple federal charges and potential imprisonment if convicted.

The Su-57 Felon fighter jet, operated by the Russian Air Force, is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 2 and has a range of over 2,200 miles. It features advanced radar systems and a stealthy design, raising concerns about its threat level compared to Western aircraft like the F-35. Current reports indicate ongoing developments in manned-unmanned teaming capabilities with drones, which may enhance its operational effectiveness.

Getac Technology Corporation launched the CommandCore rugged drone control solution in Irvine, California, on March 24, 2026. This solution integrates rugged hardware with industry-specific accessories for various operational scenarios, particularly in defense and public safety. CommandCore supports real-time data processing and drone control in extreme conditions, enhancing mission capabilities across multiple sectors.

Lockheed Martin opened the Rapid Fielding Center in Dallas on March 31, 2026, to enhance the development and production of defense systems. The facility aims to streamline processes, allowing for rapid prototyping and scaling of capabilities. Lockheed Martin has invested over $7 billion to expand production capacity and plans further investments to modernize facilities across Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas.

Iran has launched missile strikes against various targets in Israel, including Tel Aviv and Beersheba, as part of a long-term plan to weaken Israeli and U.S. military presence in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted these operations on March 31, 2023, utilizing missiles and attack drones against U.S. bases in the UAE, Iraq, and Kuwait.

The U.S. Navy is phasing out the 62 Los Angeles-class submarines due to technological and structural limitations. Plans are underway to extend the service life of some submarines as a stopgap measure while transitioning to the Virginia-class submarines. The AUKUS agreement may further affect U.S. submarine production capacity.

Keith Kellogg, former special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, joined the advisory board of Powerus, a Florida-based startup focused on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology for the U.S. military. This move reflects growing U.S. interest in Ukrainian defense technology, despite stalled diplomatic talks regarding the conflict with Russia. Powerus plans to go public following a merger, indicating a significant shift in defense tech collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg joined the advisory board of Powerus, a Florida-based startup focused on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology for the U.S. military. This move indicates a growing interest among U.S. investors in Ukrainian defense technology, despite stalled diplomatic talks regarding the conflict with Russia. Powerus plans to go public following a merger, highlighting the increasing commercial ties between U.S. and Ukrainian defense sectors.

The U.S. military has been developing hypersonic weapons for nearly 25 years but faces competition from Russia and China, which have operational hypersonic glide vehicles. U.S. funding for hypersonic research has decreased, and various programs are still in development. Russia has reportedly used hypersonic weapons in combat, potentially giving it an advantage. The U.S. military is prioritizing hypersonic development to catch up with its adversaries.

The U.S. Navy resurrected the 150 kW Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) demonstrator for military exercises, successfully testing it against drone targets during the Crimson Dragon exercise in March 2025. Originally installed on the USS Portland, the system was deinstalled in 2023 before being called back into service. This move reflects the Navy's ongoing efforts to enhance its directed energy capabilities amid a shortage of operational laser weapons.

The U.S. Navy resurrected a 150 kW Solid State Laser Technology Maturation (SSL-TM) demonstrator for military exercises, successfully testing it against drone targets in the Gulf of Aden. This system, previously installed on the USS Portland, was reactivated for the Crimson Dragon exercise in March 2025. The Navy aims to address capability gaps against aerial drones and small explosive-laden boats with this advanced laser weapon.