Analysis & Reports

BAE Systems secured a $535 million contract to manufacture additional M109A7 Paladin Self-Propelled Howitzers and M992A3 Ammunition Carriers for the US Army in the United States.

The U.S. Army plans to release proposal requests for the ISV-Heavy in the fourth quarter of 2023, aiming to accelerate its fielding as a mobile energy source. The Army seeks approximately 606 heavy ISVs, with 34 to be procured in fiscal 2027. GM Defense is expected to compete with its Silverado HD 3500 for the contract, which is anticipated to be awarded in September 2027.

The U.S. Navy is developing the SSN(X), a next-generation attack submarine, but its procurement has been delayed from 2031 to 2040 due to budget constraints and production issues. The Navy continues to prioritize the Virginia-class submarines, which are currently in production. The SSN(X) is expected to cost up to $8.7 billion each, raising concerns about the Navy's ability to deliver new classes of warships on time and within budget.

Former Staff Sgt. Jesse Bussey was captured in Spain and extradited to the U.S. on June 8, 2026, after being a fugitive for nearly 30 years. He was convicted in absentia of multiple crimes, including rape, and was tracked down by a U.S. Marshals task force. The investigation began in 2019, leading to his identification and arrest following a tip about his alias.

The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division conducted a robotic combined arms breach exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana in April. The exercise utilized dozens of PBAS drones and two UGVs to simulate defeating enemy defenses, successfully demonstrating the potential to protect infantry by neutralizing threats with unmanned systems. Col. Ryan Bell emphasized the need for improved capabilities and production scaling for future operations.

The 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team conducted a successful robotic combined arms breach exercise at Fort Polk, Louisiana, in April. The exercise utilized dozens of PBAS drones and two unmanned ground vehicles to simulate attacks on enemy defenses, aiming to protect infantry soldiers. Col. Ryan Bell emphasized the need for improved drone capabilities and production scaling to enhance future operations.

The Pentagon awarded Alloy Surfaces Company a $300 million contract modification on June 12, 2023, for the continued production of infrared decoy flares to protect military aircraft from heat-seeking missiles. This contract increases the total value to $328.8 million and extends production until March 30, 2031. The flares are essential for countering the growing threat of MANPADS, which have become more unpredictable due to advancements in drone technology.

Divergent Technologies will begin 3D printing components for the Tomahawk cruise missile at a new facility in Long Beach, California, aiming for production to start in the first half of next year. The 430,000 square-foot factory will have the capacity to produce 30,000 missile airframes or 60,000 warhead casings annually, significantly increasing production capabilities for defense contracts. Divergent has secured a contract with Raytheon to supply parts for the missile.

The Pentagon announced the restoration of the name Pacific Command (PACOM) from Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) in Washington. This change, led by Adm. Samuel Paparo, maintains the same area of responsibility and aims to honor the command's historical roots. The announcement follows a trend of name changes within the Department of Defense under Secretary Pete Hegseth.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command announced it is reverting its name back to U.S. Pacific Command, honoring its historical roots. This change, which will not affect the command's mission, is part of broader rebranding efforts by the Pentagon. The announcement reflects ongoing political and military considerations in the region.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) relocated its MQ-9 flight operations to Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, from April 21 to September 30, 2026, due to runway construction at Grand Forks Air Force Base. This operation involves collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and highlights the integration of military drone operations at a commercial airport.

The U.S. Navy is retiring its Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers, with plans to decommission all remaining ships by fiscal 2027 due to high maintenance costs and aging infrastructure. Congress mandated a $3.7 billion modernization effort, which largely failed, resulting in significant waste. The Ticonderoga-class cruisers, known for their heavy armament, will leave a gap in U.S. missile capacity as no direct replacements are available in the near term.

General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems was awarded a U.S. Army contract on June 15, 2026, to demonstrate a long-range maneuvering 155 mm projectile under the Extended Range Artillery Projectile program. This projectile aims to achieve greater ranges while maintaining precision in GPS-degraded environments, with an Initial Operational Capability targeted for fiscal year 2030. The project includes advanced features such as deployable wings and guidance systems, enhancing the Army's long-range precision fire capabilities.

On June 8, 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense updated the 1260H list, adding 65 Chinese companies, including major tech firms like Alibaba and Baidu, due to concerns over military-civil fusion. This expansion indicates a shift in focus towards supply chain vulnerabilities rather than just traditional military contractors. U.S. defense procurement restrictions are set to tighten, impacting these companies' operations in the U.S. market.

Li MinghuiWed Jun 17 2026Loading...

A 60-day agreement between the United States and Iran was established on June 17, 2026, concerning oil exports and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement raises military readiness concerns among Gulf states, as Iran's missile capabilities and proxy networks remain a threat. Gulf states are urged to enhance military coordination and readiness during this period, as the U.S. Navy's role alone is deemed insufficient for maritime security.

Ahmed Al-RashidWed Jun 17 2026Loading...

Lockheed Martin and GM Defense announced a collaboration on June 16, 2026, to strengthen America's manufacturing and defense industrial base. The partnership, facilitated by the U.S. Department of War, will focus on enhancing defense supply chains, manufacturing capabilities, and production capacity. Initial efforts will explore ways to accelerate production readiness and apply commercial manufacturing approaches to support defense production requirements.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is officially reverting to its original name, the U.S. Pacific Command, as announced by the U.S. Department of Defense on June 16, 2023. The command's area of responsibility remains unchanged, extending from the U.S. West Coast to the western border of India. This command was originally established on January 1, 1947, and operated under its original name for over 70 years before being renamed in 2018.

The U.S. Navy is developing 12 Columbia-class submarines to replace the aging Ohio-class fleet, ensuring the U.S. maintains its nuclear deterrent. These submarines will carry 16 Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and are designed for stealth, making them difficult to detect. The first strategic patrol is targeted for around 2031, as the U.S. faces increasing competition from China's advancing submarine capabilities.

The U.S. Department of Defense invoked the Defense Production Act to enhance collaboration among munitions suppliers in Washington. This action aims to address supply chain issues and increase production capacity through voluntary agreements. Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Cadenazzi emphasized the need for industry cooperation to tackle production bottlenecks, particularly in solid rocket motors, as the U.S. seeks to replenish its munitions stockpiles.

OpenAI will launch ChatGPT on the Pentagon's GenAI.mil platform in early July, making it accessible to over 3 million defense personnel. This integration is part of the Pentagon's efforts to enhance its generative AI capabilities, which began with the platform's launch in December. Currently, more than 1.3 million users are utilizing GenAI.mil, and OpenAI's latest AI models are being deployed to improve efficiency in defense operations.