Analysis & Reports

The United States Air Force implemented a fleet-wide operational pause for the T-38 Talon aircraft following a crash on May 12 at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi. This decision aims to ensure safety during an ongoing investigation into the incident. Inspections for the aircraft will begin shortly, and aircrews will focus on simulator training in the interim. The T-38, a key training tool since 1961, is expected to be replaced by the new T-7 Red Hawk.

U.S. Southern Command is reassessing troop deployment strategies in response to the increasing threat of drones on the battlefield. Marine Gen. Francis Donovan highlighted the vulnerabilities created by large troop concentrations and bases during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He advocates for smaller, more dynamic deployments in South America to avoid becoming easy targets for enemy drones.

The U.S. Navy is recommending a new 56-month force generation model for amphibious ships to enhance readiness and increase the fleet size to 40 ships. This proposal follows concerns about current readiness levels and aims to maintain a persistent global presence of Marine Expeditionary Units. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao presented this recommendation to the Secretary of Defense, highlighting the need for improved maintenance and training cycles.

A Ukrainian ground robot defended a key intersection from Russian assaults for 45 days last summer, utilizing continuous drone surveillance and remote operation. The operation, described as Ukraine's first fully robotic defensive action, resulted in no Ukrainian casualties. Ukrainian ground robots are increasingly used for logistics, performing 80% of tasks on the front lines, although challenges such as battery life and operator training remain significant.

Italy's Ministry of Defense awarded a contract to Airbus for six A330 multi-role tanker transport aircraft, valued at €1.4 billion, on April 16, 2023. This contract will last approximately 10 years, marking a shift from the previously planned acquisition of Boeing's KC-46 Pegasus tankers. Once delivered, Italy will join 18 other nations operating the A330 tanker.

GE Aerospace secured a contract to design the GE426 engine for the U.S. Air Force's autonomous combat aircraft program. This engine is part of the Air Force's broader initiative to develop AI-piloted drones that can operate alongside crewed fighters. The contract was awarded in February 2026, as the Air Force aims to purchase at least 1,000 drones by the end of the decade, with a total budget of approximately $9 billion for CCA programs.

A unit under the Eastern Theater Command conducted a military training competition focusing on emergency response and tactical skills. The event emphasized coordination in urban combat scenarios and the importance of logistics for maintaining supply stability. Participants showcased their proficiency in using personal protective equipment and vehicles, aiming to enhance their readiness for real combat situations.

Russian forces maintain control over Pokrovsk and Mirnograd, employing drones and artillery to suppress Ukrainian positions and logistics. A 25-kilometer kill zone has been established, complicating Ukrainian operations. The report highlights the effective coordination of Russian infantry, drones, and artillery, indicating a shift in tactics. Logistical challenges are significant for both sides, particularly affecting Ukrainian capabilities.

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Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will test the rapid breakdown capability of the OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft in Tampa later this year. This capability allows for disassembly and reassembly in hours, enhancing operational flexibility and complicating adversary targeting. AFSOC has received 18 Skyraiders and aims to acquire a total of 75 aircraft.

Militia units and armed police responded to severe flooding in Shimen County, Changde, and various locations in Guizhou Province on May 18-19, 2023. They deployed emergency supplies, kayaks, and rescue equipment to assist affected residents. Efforts included evacuating residents, clearing debris, and establishing temporary shelters.

The U.S. Army is investigating transmission problems in AH-64E Apache helicopters, which have led to several incidents, including crashes. Concurrently, the Army is reducing flight hours and retiring older AH-64D models due to significant funding shortfalls. This situation is exacerbated by ongoing maintenance issues and operational demands, particularly related to missions in Iran and support for domestic operations.

The U.S. Army is investigating transmission issues with the AH-64E Apache helicopters, which have led to grounding orders and multiple incidents. Concurrently, the Army is reducing flight hours and retiring older AH-64D models due to significant funding challenges. These issues are affecting operational readiness and training for aviation units, with implications for ongoing missions in Iran and other areas.

The Rocket Force is undergoing a transformation to enhance its logistics capabilities, integrating support forces with combat operations. This new support unit is focusing on adapting training and operational planning to meet the demands of modern warfare. They are developing a modular logistics response system to ensure efficient support during combat operations.

The Japanese government, led by the Liberal Democratic Party, is currently discussing a draft proposal to revise its security documents, focusing on defense spending. The proposal maintains ambiguity to prevent public backlash against potential increases in military expenditure, which is projected to reach a historic high of 9 trillion yen in 2026. This approach is also a response to growing domestic and international criticism of Japan's militarization efforts.

Beretta Defence Technologies UK (BDT UK) signed an exclusive agreement with the London Proof House on 19 May in Tampa, Florida, to provide advanced testing and proofing for rifles intended to replace the SA80 as part of Project GRAYBURN. This partnership aims to ensure that the Beretta NARP or Sako ARG40 is ready for frontline service, emphasizing the importance of proofing in the manufacturing process.

In 2026, the Russian military faces significant economic challenges as 400 oil wells have been closed, leading to a 10% reduction in oil processing. This decline is contributing to a federal budget deficit nearing $80 billion and labor shortages impacting military production. Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure are altering the cost dynamics of the ongoing conflict, indicating that the sustainability of the Russian military economy is under pressure.

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Lockheed Martin was awarded an $879 million contract on May 18, 2023, for the production of armament equipment essential for F-35 fighters. This contract includes missile launchers, bomb racks, and other hardware necessary for the jets' combat readiness. The production will support Lots 18 and 19 of the F-35 program, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026 and continue through February 2030. International partners contribute significantly to the funding of this contract.

USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk, Virginia, on May 16, 2023, after a record 326-day deployment. During this time, it supported military operations in Venezuela and Iran, and dealt with a non-combat fire incident. Approximately 5000 sailors reunited with their families after the deployment, which was the longest since the Vietnam War.

Twelve civilian ships participated in a People's Liberation Army (PLA) landing exercise in Guangdong on May 18, 2025. The exercise included 6 roll-on/roll-off ships and 6 deck cargo ships, indicating the PLA's integration of civilian maritime resources into military logistics. This development reflects a strategic shift in enhancing landing capabilities, although vulnerabilities remain due to the nature of civilian vessels.

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The U.S. Department of Defense announced five winners of the Lethality Prize Challenge for small drone payloads in Washington in April 2023. The winners, including Northrop Grumman and Bravo Ordnance, are set to expedite contracts and production of lethal payload systems. The DoD plans to purchase 60,000 units as part of its Drone Dominance initiative.