Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army is opening military test ranges to private industry for testing drones and counter-drone systems under electronic warfare conditions, starting in September 2023. This initiative includes four U.S. locations and one in Morocco, aiming to expedite the development of critical weapons. Camp Grayling will host an electromagnetic unreliability test event on a quarterly basis.

The Army has selected a battalion-size formation to begin training for the Golden Dome air defense mission, aiming for operational readiness by mid-2028. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance homeland air defense capabilities, including the use of existing systems like Patriot and THAAD. The focus on air defense is particularly relevant given the current threats in the Middle East.

Navy officials deny reports of deteriorating mental health aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, currently deployed in the Middle East for nine months. Despite official statements, military families report declining morale and mental health issues among the crew, citing poor living conditions and quality of life concerns. Senator Blumenthal has expressed worries about the implications of the extended deployment on crew well-being and operational readiness.

The Defense Information Systems Agency and other military organizations in Tampa face increasing challenges in patching software due to a rise in cyberattacks driven by artificial intelligence. Officials highlighted the rapid discovery of vulnerabilities and the need for resilient architectures to manage patching without system downtime. The urgency of applying patches is forcing a reassessment of cybersecurity risk calculations, as the balance between applying fixes and understanding their operational impact becomes more complex.

L3Harris opened a new maritime production facility in Providence, Rhode Island, to support the production of undersea training systems for the US Navy and allies. This $6 million investment aims to leverage local partnerships and provide additional jobs. The facility, spanning 50,000 square feet, enhances L3Harris's capabilities in undersea warfare technology and strengthens Rhode Island's contributions to the defense industrial base.

Iran's Kilo-class submarines were actively involved in naval operations and faced U.S. strikes during Operation Epic Fury. As of August 2026, one submarine has been confirmed sunk, while the remaining two are in dry dock and unlikely to return to service. U.S. forces have effectively neutralized the threat posed by these submarines in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. Navy's USS Roosevelt has become the first aircraft carrier equipped with an unmanned aerial operations center, enabling operations of the MQ-25A drone. However, the initial operational capability of the MQ-25A has been delayed until FY 2030, while other nations are rapidly advancing their drone carrier capabilities. The U.S. plans to procure 72 MQ-25A drones at a total cost of approximately $13 billion.

India confirmed its intention to join the French-led sixth-generation fighter jet project (FCAS) following Germany's exit. This move aims to enhance defense cooperation with France and secure access to advanced military technology. The FCAS project seeks to develop a next-generation fighter jet to replace current aircraft, aligning with India's defense needs and strategic interests.

Sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln are facing significant mental health challenges, with multiple self-harm incidents reported as the ship nears nine months of deployment. Logistical issues have compounded the situation, affecting food and water supplies. Families have expressed concerns about the crew's well-being during a recent town hall meeting in San Diego. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is set to replace the Lincoln, although no deployment date has been announced.

Iran launched approximately 4,400 one-way attack drones during the U.S.-Israeli war by April 7, 2026. The Shahed-136, a key drone model, costs between $20,000 and $50,000. Despite significant damage to production sites from U.S. and Israeli strikes, Iran maintains a substantial drone production capacity, estimated at 10,000 drones per month. The attacks imposed a severe cost-exchange problem for regional air defenses.

L3Harris is delivering affordable precision munitions and unmanned aerial vehicles to meet the evolving threats faced by the U.S. and its allies. The company has successfully delivered over 1,200 vehicles and aims to produce 1,000 systems annually. The focus of defense acquisition has shifted towards speed and affordability, emphasizing the need for capable systems that can sustain combat operations.

U.S. Navy aircraft carriers conducted operations in the South China Sea and Indo-Pacific, responding to threats from Iranian missiles and drones during Operation Epic Fury. The carriers faced challenges that forced them to operate from greater distances, impacting their operational effectiveness and increasing reliance on logistical support. Despite these challenges, the carriers demonstrated their relevance in modern conflict.

Leonardo DRS reported that its SGT STOUT air defense system successfully defeated small drone threats during a U.S. government test. The system, originally designed for larger drones, has been upgraded through software enhancements. Several hundred SGT STOUT systems are fielded across various U.S. Army locations, with plans for additional deployments to National Guard units by 2029.

DARPA is seeking radical industry ideas for the development of a new generation of hypersonic cruise missiles to maintain technological superiority and evade adversary air defenses. The request for information was published on August 7, 2023, with responses due by October 6, 2023. The initiative aims for a revolutionary leap in performance, focusing on architectural concepts, high-risk technologies, and innovative testing methods.

The Chinese Navy and Indonesian Navy successfully completed a joint naval exercise east of Taiwan on the 12th, involving communication drills and naval maneuvers. This exercise marks the first collaboration of its kind in the region, demonstrating both nations' commitment to regional stability. Taiwan's authorities condemned the exercise, claiming it disrupts the status quo, while Chinese military experts emphasized their sovereignty over the area.

A Russian Su-57 Felon stealth fighter landed at Iran's Bandar Abbas in February 2025, marking its first documented visit. The aircraft was a prototype returning to Russia, and no confirmed deal for its sale to Iran has been announced. Iran is interested in modernizing its air fleet, having already confirmed a purchase of Su-35 fighters from Russia.

Ukrainian forces struck the Russian naval base at Novorossiysk on August 12, 2026, damaging four warships, including the frigates Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen. The attack also impacted grain and oil terminals, halting operations at two major grain terminals. President Zelensky confirmed the use of drones, missiles, and uncrewed naval vessels in the operation, which was noted as highly successful against a heavily defended target.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $149.8 million contract to BAE Systems for the overhaul of USS Boxer in San Diego. The contract includes maintenance and modernization work scheduled for completion by October 2028. USS Boxer, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, has faced engineering issues and operational delays, including a rudder failure shortly after deployment in 2024. The contract could increase in value to $180 million with additional options.

F/A-18 Super Hornets were deployed by the U.S. Navy during Operation Epic Fury in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman for interception of drones and strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The operation highlighted the aircraft's strengths and vulnerabilities, particularly the reliance on aircraft carriers, which are now pressured by modern missile threats. This situation imposes operational costs and affects mission effectiveness.

The U.S. Army has shifted its strategy for developing autonomous vehicle software, opting to collaborate with industry vendors for specific capabilities. This decision follows a reevaluation of its autonomy portfolio and aims to enhance logistics and sustainment operations. The Engineer Autonomous Breaching Capability (EABC) program has been awarded to contractors who will provide unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for breaching obstacles on future battlefields.