Analysis & Reports

HMS Vanguard (S28) underwent extensive maintenance at HMNB Devonport from 2015 to 2022 due to a reactor leak, resulting in a 7.5-year delay. The Royal Navy faced significant logistical challenges and mismanagement during this period, leading to increased costs and operational downtime for this critical nuclear submarine.

U.S. Space Command is conducting space intelligence operations at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, with plans to station 200 personnel there by the end of 2023. The Joint Intelligence Support element is actively engaged in missions and analysis for space operations. The full relocation to the new headquarters is projected to be completed by 2032, while the command's main operations center will remain in Colorado until then.

U.S. Central Command announced the formation of the Falcon Strike Task Force on August 13, aimed at integrating multinational drone capabilities in the Middle East. This task force will utilize one-way attack drones and other unmanned systems, building on the previous Scorpion Strike Task Force established nine months earlier. The U.S. is actively inviting regional partners to enhance this unified deterrent force.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated that the U.S. military can indefinitely maintain its maritime blockade against Iran. As of August 13, 2023, the U.S. Navy has forced 59 merchant ships to change their routes and rendered 3 ships incapable of navigation. The blockade is part of ongoing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran claims to have full control.

The USS Washington is being deployed to the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln due to concerns over the crew's living conditions and mental health. The Lincoln has faced significant operational stress during its deployment, prompting U.S. officials to initiate this rotation. The Washington is currently transiting through the Singapore Strait and Malacca Strait, accompanied by a cruiser and a destroyer.

Houthi forces attacked a Saudi Aramco oil refinery in Jizan, Saudi Arabia, using two drones on August 13. The attack was reported to be very precise, following a similar strike on August 9. The Houthi forces have claimed responsibility for this operation.

Houthi forces attacked a government military base in Abd, Hadramaut Governorate, Yemen, on August 13, using drones. The assault resulted in at least 3 soldiers dead and 15 injured, with some injuries reported as severe. The 3rd Brigade of the Shield of the Homeland was the targeted unit, and the area is located near the Saudi border.

The U.S. Army is accelerating the development of the M1E3 Abrams tank, with four prototypes expected to be operational in 2026. The new tank will feature an active protection system, an unmanned turret, and a hybrid electric diesel engine, enhancing its combat capabilities. The Army aims to deliver prototypes within 24 to 30 months as part of its modernization efforts.

President Trump ordered the return of steam catapults to Ford-class aircraft carriers and announced the establishment of a new public shipyard for submarine repairs in Washington. The decision aims to address delays in submarine maintenance and restore traditional systems to the carriers. The USS Ford, currently using EMALS, will be affected by this change, which has raised concerns about production risks and implications for national security.

The U.S. Army outlined its priorities for fires during the final day of the Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville, Alabama. Key developments were discussed by Breaking Defense Multimedia Director Daniel Woolfolk and Pentagon reporter Ashley Roque, highlighting the importance of military strategy and operations in the current defense landscape.

An Israeli airstrike targeted the vehicle of Gaza City police chief Abu Kamal in Gaza City on August 13, resulting in his death and injuries to three others. The strike involved three missiles, which completely destroyed the vehicle.

The U.S. Army is developing new capabilities to engage adversary satellites and prevent their targeting of U.S. forces, as stated by Col. Joe Mroszczyk in Huntsville. The focus includes non-kinetic attacks using directed-energy weapons and high-altitude balloons for reconnaissance. This initiative is part of the Army's broader strategy to enhance space superiority and counter-surveillance efforts.

The Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI) was developed by U.S. Army Europe and Africa and NATO to enhance deterrence along NATO's eastern border, particularly in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Initiated in December 2024, the EFDI integrates advanced technologies and aims to counter Russian military capabilities through multinational exercises planned for 2026. This initiative emphasizes burden-sharing among NATO allies and seeks to maintain a credible defense posture in Europe.

The U.S. conducted multiple intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tests from 2021 to 2026, including launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base and submarines off California. These tests, involving Minuteman III and Trident II missiles, are part of the U.S. strategy to maintain nuclear deterrence and respond to global security dynamics. The frequency of these tests has drawn criticism and highlighted the U.S.'s significant investment in its nuclear arsenal.

The Department of Veterans Affairs is conducting a study involving over 600 veterans in Minneapolis to evaluate the effectiveness of GLP-1 semaglutide medications in treating alcohol use disorder. This study aims to provide definitive evidence to potentially influence FDA regulations and improve treatment accessibility for veterans suffering from alcohol addiction. Researchers will monitor the effects of semaglutide on alcohol cravings and overall health.

The MBT-70 tank was developed by NATO between 1963 and 1971 to replace aging tanks and counter Soviet armored forces. It featured advanced technology, including a 152mm gun and a unique driver-in-the-turret design. However, the program faced insurmountable technological challenges and spiraling costs, resulting in its cancellation.

The U.S. Army is addressing four key capability gaps in its acquisition programs during the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium in Huntsville. Brig. Gen. Robert Mikesh outlined challenges in propulsion, targeting, and munitions diversity, emphasizing the need for a balanced mix of affordable and advanced weaponry. Lt. Gen. John Rafferty noted the importance of low-cost interceptors to counter various threats.

Iran retained and maintained a fleet of 79 F-14 Tomcat fighters purchased from the U.S. in 1974, despite sanctions and logistical challenges. Over the years, Iran adapted by cannibalizing parts and developing domestic manufacturing capabilities. However, by 2026, the combat effectiveness of the fleet was nearly zero, with many aircraft destroyed in recent strikes.

The Space and Missile Defense Symposium concluded in Huntsville on August 13, 2026, featuring remarks from NORAD and Missile Defense Agency officials. Various military technologies, including the Ground-launched Small Diameter Bomb and D-Wave’s quantum computing processor, were displayed, highlighting advancements in missile defense and space capabilities. Moog announced an expansion of its METEORITE Satellite's bus capacity during the event.

The U.S. Navy is advancing the development of the F/A-XX sixth-generation warplane, with a decision on the contractor expected in August 2023. Boeing and Northrop Grumman are competing for the contract to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler. The program has received significant funding support from Congress, totaling $972 million for research and development.