Analysis & Reports

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is testing 17 unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in Washington as part of the xTech Edge Strike Ground competition. The Army aims to identify cost-effective UGV solutions for various military applications, including logistics and breaching scenarios. Winners of the competition will be announced on March 13, with each receiving $275,000.

Steadicopter Ltd. signed a services agreement with flyAlchemy to support the operational deployment of Black Eagle 50E rotary UAV systems in the United States. The partnership focuses on demonstration flights, regulatory alignment, and mission development for ISR and specialized operations. This collaboration aims to enhance Steadicopter's presence in the U.S. market and includes training programs at flyAlchemy's flight test locations.

The U.S. military is transporting a mockup of the Russian Buk-M3 air defense system in Alabama for training purposes. This replica, mounted on a semi-trailer, is designed to simulate modern Russian surface-to-air missile systems during military exercises. The Buk-M3, known for its advanced capabilities, allows U.S. forces to train against realistic visual targets.

Iran may become a testing ground for new U.S. weapons as recent seismic activity near a secret base in Nevada raises concerns. The Pentagon confirmed the test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which is part of the U.S. nuclear triad. Military experts speculate that the seismic events could be linked to either nuclear tests or the testing of new non-nuclear weapons.

The U.S. Navy is evaluating the extension of Ohio-class SSGNs' service life due to a projected firepower gap as they prepare for retirement starting in 2026. The Navy recognizes the critical need for long-range precision strike capabilities, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Iran. Each Ohio-class SSGN can carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, and the transition to Virginia-class submarines with enhanced capabilities is underway, but may not be sufficient in time.

Canada is engaged in a debate over its future air power, considering the F-35 Lightning II and Saab JAS 39 Gripen. The U.S. has indicated it may restrict access to the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) if Canada opts for the Gripen, which is essential for NATO interoperability. This situation is influenced by President Trump's demands for higher defense spending.

USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) has completed modernization and sea trials in San Diego, transforming into a hypersonic strike platform capable of launching missiles at speeds over Mach 5. The ship is now equipped with 12 Conventional Prompt Strike launchers, marking a significant shift from its original design as a land-attack destroyer. This modernization positions the Zumwalt as a key asset in the U.S. Navy's surface warfare capabilities.

The U.S. Navy is extending the service life of the aging Ohio-class submarines due to delays in the Columbia-class program and the planned retirement of Ticonderoga-class cruisers, which will create a significant missile capacity gap. By 2027, the Navy will lose 2,080 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, impacting its nuclear deterrence capabilities. The Navy's reliance on Tomahawk missiles underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.

As of March 2026, 82 percent of ships under construction by the U.S. Navy are behind schedule, highlighting a significant crisis in the shipbuilding industrial base. The premature retirement of the Littoral Combat Ship and the costly Zumwalt-class program have exacerbated the situation. The U.S. risks losing its qualitative edge in the Indo-Pacific as China's naval capabilities expand rapidly.

The Pentagon and FAA conducted anti-drone laser tests at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico over the weekend to address safety concerns following recent airspace closures in Texas. The military's use of the laser to down a drone near the U.S.-Mexico border raised coordination issues, prompting the FAA to close airspace over El Paso. Lawmakers have called for investigations into the incidents.

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract to Rockwell Collins on September 30, 2025, for the repair and reconfiguration of TacNet 1.0 datalink radios used in the Joint Standoff Weapon and Harpoon Block II+ missile systems. Valued at $347,318.44, the contract focuses on restoring communication units that maintain data exchange between naval weapons and tactical networks. This ensures precision weapons remain connected during missions.

The Chinese Navy recently showcased two 10,000-ton destroyers, emphasizing their military capabilities. This event highlights the naval strength of China and its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests.

The U.S. Army National Guard initiated a procurement effort on March 7, 2026, to acquire small unmanned aerial systems for training and operational support at the Volunteer Training Site in Smyrna, Tennessee. The Tennessee Army National Guard is seeking three types of drones that comply with the Blue UAS security certification requirements, including models like the Neros Archer and FlightWave Edge 130. This effort aims to enhance reconnaissance and training capabilities without relying on larger platforms.

The Pentagon is addressing gaps in military-specific AI tools as startups like Smack Technologies develop solutions tailored for operational needs. Concerns about the reliability of existing AI models, such as those from Anthropic and OpenAI, have prompted the military to seek alternatives that can function without cloud connectivity. Project Aria has been initiated to create AI models designed for real military operations, reflecting a shift towards more specialized technology in defense.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted a drone and missile strike on a U.S. helicopter base on the 8th, targeting maintenance facilities and fuel tanks, resulting in significant damage and a large fire. The attack was confirmed by the Iranian military, with no immediate response from U.S. forces reported.

Iran's drone attacks have compelled the U.S. and its allies to deploy costly interceptors, revealing a drone consumption trap. This situation mirrors Ukraine's experience with Russian drones, where low-cost systems challenge expensive defense measures. The U.S. is adapting its military strategy to address these threats, emphasizing the need for affordable defense solutions against drone warfare.

The U.S. Navy is preparing for the retirement of four Ohio-class SSGNs, which each carry 154 Tomahawk missiles, between 2026 and 2028. This transition to Block V Virginia-class submarines, which will carry 40 Tomahawk missiles each, aims to maintain undersea firepower in the Pacific. The Navy is accelerating production to address the anticipated firepower gap created by the retirement of the Ohio-class submarines.

Embraer and Valkyrie Aero are enhancing the A-29 Super Tucano's capabilities for Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) missions in Jacksonville, Florida, on March 04, 2026. The partnership focuses on integrating the Gunslinger AI suite, which improves tactical decision-making against unmanned threats. This upgrade aims to provide effective and low-cost counter-drone capabilities, leveraging the A-29's advanced features.

Defense executives met with Trump administration officials in Washington to discuss replenishing munitions expended in Iran, with a potential funding request exceeding $50 billion. U.S. Central Command reported a significant reduction in Iranian missile activity, and a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship. The U.S. is shifting to precision weapons to enhance operational effectiveness.

Iran's F-14 Tomcat fleet is currently under pressure from U.S.-Israeli air superiority during Operation Epic Fury in March 2026. The fleet, consisting of 41 F-14D/E/RF airframes, has a historical kill ratio of 130-4 from the Iran-Iraq War. Five F-14s were previously destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, but no new losses have been reported in the ongoing conflict.