Analysis & Reports

The Marine Corps tested amphibious vehicle prototypes, including the ARV-30, at Camp Pendleton in January and February 2023. The tests demonstrated new features such as an 'autotrim function' for automated navigation and assessed the vehicle's performance in various water conditions. The prototypes, developed by Textron Systems and General Dynamics, are part of a competition to replace the aging light armored vehicle fleet, with a contractor selection expected by 2030.

The United States Marine Corps announced that Marines can now use the M17 Romeo red dot optic for pistol qualifications and in combat. This marks the first time optical sights are permitted for Marine pistols, aimed at improving shooting accuracy and lethality. Units are responsible for procuring and installing the optics, which are designed for the M17 and M18 pistols.

The U.S. Air Force issued Requests for Information to develop counter-small unmanned aerial systems (C-sUAS) technology, focusing on detection and kinetic hard-kill capabilities. The submissions are due by April 30, and the initiative is part of the Air Force's effort to maintain tactical superiority against evolving drone threats. The requests include specifications for rapidly deployable systems and various weapon systems to neutralize small drones.

Colt Canada was awarded a contract by the Canadian Defence Investment Agency to supply up to 65,402 assault rifle systems as part of the Canadian Modular Assault Rifle (CMAR) programme.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking to procure three additional Dronebuster 4 handheld counter-drone systems, as announced in a procurement notice on March 19, 2026, at Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. The systems are designed for detecting and disrupting commercial drones, particularly in short-range scenarios, and are intended for operational use within U.S. military structures.

Anduril Industries will begin production of its Fury high-speed combat drones at a new facility in Columbus, Ohio, in the coming days. The facility is expected to employ over 4,000 people over the next decade, starting with 250 by the end of this year. In addition to the Fury drones, production will include the Roadrunner interceptor and Barracuda cruise missile family.

Anduril Industries will begin production of its Fury high-speed combat drones at a new facility in Columbus, Ohio, in the coming days. The facility is part of a $1 billion investment and is expected to employ over 4,000 people over the next decade. The production will also include the Roadrunner interceptor and Barracuda cruise missiles, reflecting the U.S. military's growing interest in unmanned aircraft.

The U.S. Navy's Ohio-class SSGNs, which carry over 600 Tomahawk missiles, are scheduled for retirement by 2028. The Virginia Payload Module, intended as a replacement, provides significantly less missile capacity, creating a strategic gap. Labor shortages and a convoluted acquisition process further complicate the transition to new submarine capabilities.

Canada is reviewing its commitment to replace the aging CF-18 Hornet fleet, which has been in service since 1982, with the F-35 Lightning II or possibly the Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The CF-18 fleet is facing structural fatigue and parts shortages, prompting the need for a replacement. This decision is part of Canada's broader efforts to modernize its air force and maintain its defense capabilities.

The Pentagon is considering opening a second production line for the B-21 Raider to meet STRATCOM's demand for a fleet of 145 aircraft. STRATCOM Commander Adm. Richard Correll confirmed this initiative during a hearing on March 17, 2026, emphasizing the need for increased production capacity to address supply chain issues. A $4.5 billion investment aims to enhance production by 25%, with the B-21 intended to replace older bombers by the 2030s.

Starting this fall, the U.S. military will receive new F-35 Joint Strike Fighters without radars, limiting their combat capabilities. Over a hundred jets may be affected if delays in the new APG-85 radar continue. These aircraft will remain airworthy but will be used only for training purposes. The situation arises from production delays and certification issues with the new radar system, impacting the operational readiness of the fleet.

The U.S. Army's M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams and South Korea's K2 Black Panther are compared for their capabilities as leading main battle tanks. The Abrams is recognized for its heavy protection and combat experience, while the K2 is noted for its advanced technology and lighter weight. Both tanks are positioned as top contenders in the global arms market, with the K2 rapidly advancing in capabilities.

Canada is reviewing its commitment to procure 88 F-35 fighters due to rising costs and political tensions with the U.S. The first 16 F-35s are expected to be delivered in 2026, but the government is also considering the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E as a more economical alternative. A final decision on the fleet's size and composition is anticipated later in 2026.

The B-21 Raider operates as a multi-domain airborne intelligence node, collecting and transmitting targeting data across air, land, sea, and space. It was unveiled on December 2, 2022, in Palmdale, California, and a second test aircraft joined the flight test campaign on September 11, 2023. The B-21 is designed to control drones and conduct surveillance while utilizing AI for real-time data integration and analysis.

The U.S. Air Force and Navy are developing the F-47 and F/A-XX next-generation fighter jets, which are not expected to be operational until the mid-2030s. This delay forces reliance on older aircraft like the F-22 and F-35. Meanwhile, China has already deployed sixth-generation fighters, raising concerns about the U.S. maintaining air superiority. Political factors may jeopardize funding for these programs, which are critical for future military capabilities.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) reported that the U.S. space manufacturing supply chain is struggling with a significant capacity gap for nine specialized components, including rocket motor nozzles and actuators. This shortage is exacerbated by increased demand, budget instability, and outdated regulations, which are hindering innovation and investment. The study emphasizes the urgent need for collaboration between government and industry to address these challenges and strengthen the supply chain.

The U.S. Navy awarded a $15.38 billion contract modification to General Dynamics Electric Boat to support the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine program. This contract includes design work, lead yard support, and industrial base development, with work taking place in Groton, Connecticut, Newport News, Virginia, and Sunnyvale, California. The program aims to maintain a continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent and is expected to continue through June 2035.

The U.S. Air Force successfully demonstrated a new capability to install and upgrade software on the F-22 Raptor in minutes using the Unicorn Delivery Service (UDS). This marks a significant advancement in the rapid deployment of software, allowing for faster integration of new functions without extended downtime. The system supports open mission systems architectures and is already being utilized across various platforms within the U.S. Department of War.

The competition between the YF-22 and YF-23 for U.S. Air Force dominance in stealth fighters occurred from the 1980s to 2026. The YF-23, known for its superior stealth and speed, ultimately lost to the YF-22 due to Lockheed's aggressive flight testing and maneuverability. Despite its advantages, the YF-23's legacy continues to provoke interest in military aviation.

The U.S. Air Force's F-47 and Navy's F/A-XX fighter jets are delayed until the mid-2030s, prompting the extension of the F-22 Raptor and F/A-18 Super Hornet fleets. The F-22 will incur high operational costs, while the U.S. remains a leader in fighter capabilities despite these delays.