Analysis & Reports

The annual wreath-laying ceremony honoring fallen servicewomen at Arlington National Cemetery was canceled after the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and Space Force declined to participate due to Pentagon policies on diversity and inclusion. The event, typically supported by military branches, faced scheduling conflicts and policy restrictions, leading to a press conference held by the Democratic Women’s Caucus to address the implications of the cancellation. The ceremony was originally set for May 20 but postponed to June 10.

The House Appropriations Committee released a $1 trillion defense spending bill for fiscal year 2027, which includes funding for multiyear munitions deals and the E-7 Wedgetail program. The bill allocates $10.6 billion for critical legacy munitions and fully funds the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter procurement at $6.9 billion. Concerns were raised by Democratic appropriators regarding the unprecedented spending levels.

Federal technology officials in Washington D.C. expressed frustration over the lack of guidance from the White House regarding the use of Anthropic's Mythos model for cybersecurity. CIOs are concerned about their access to the model and its potential to help identify vulnerabilities in government networks. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is preparing a directive to prioritize urgent cybersecurity risks, reflecting the growing importance of AI in federal cybersecurity efforts.

Harbinger launched its Harbinger Praesidia defense vertical in the United States, unveiling hybrid-electric vehicles designed for national-security missions. These vehicles feature advanced capabilities, including a hybrid driving range of over 800 km and the ability to generate significant electrical power for military equipment. The initiative is backed by In-Q-Tel, emphasizing the integration of commercial technology into defense applications.

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division developed a new drone named Replicator in California, utilizing 3D printing technology to complete the project in under a year. This rapid development contrasts with traditional military aircraft timelines and reflects a strategic investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities. The drone features a wingspan of 2.7 meters and aims to enhance the U.S. defense industrial base's resilience and flexibility.

KONGSBERG Gruppen ASA has completed the acquisition of a 90% stake in Zone 5 Technologies LLC, a California-based missile company. This acquisition, approved by US regulatory authorities, aims to enhance KONGSBERG's capabilities in affordable mass munitions, including long-range strike and air defense missiles. Zone 5 will continue to operate independently under its current leadership, contributing to KONGSBERG's expansion in the international defense market.

KONGSBERG Gruppen completed the acquisition of a 90 percent stake in California-based Zone 5 Technologies on June 10, 2026. This acquisition brings mass-producible missile capabilities to Norway's defense sector, enhancing NATO's response to modern warfare demands. Zone 5's products, including the Rusty Dagger and White Spike missiles, have been validated in combat, providing KONGSBERG with a competitive edge in the defense market.

The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $154 million contract for long-lead components to build 11 F-35 stealth fighters for an undisclosed foreign government. The contract is part of the Foreign Military Sales program, with completion expected by December 2030. This procurement reflects ongoing international demand for the F-35, which is known for its advanced capabilities and stealth technology.

Senate Republicans expressed skepticism about the approval of a third defense reconciliation bill, which could jeopardize military funding. Sen. Susan Collins highlighted the risks of depending on reconciliation for defense spending, while Air Force Secretary Meink stressed the importance of a fully-funded budget. The White House's baseline defense budget request stands at $1.15 trillion, with no plans for additional reconciliation funding after 2027.

The U.S. Space Force awarded contracts worth $437.7 million to Viasat and Intelsat for the production of two anti-jam communication satellites under the Protected Tactical SATCOM – Global program. These satellites will be stationed in geosynchronous Earth orbit and are expected to enhance tactical communication capabilities. The program aims to counter emerging threats and ensure connectivity in denied environments, with the first satellite launch anticipated in 2028.

Adm. Bradley Cooper issued a memo to U.S. Central Command on May 26, stressing the importance of protecting civilian life during military operations. He stated that this commitment is integral to military culture and operational effectiveness, distinguishing U.S. forces from adversaries that target civilians. The memo comes amid ongoing tensions and military actions between the U.S. and Iran, highlighting the U.S. stance on lawful military objectives.

Adm. Bradley Cooper issued a memo to U.S. Central Command on May 26, stressing the importance of protecting civilian life during military operations. He stated that this commitment is integral to military culture and operational effectiveness. Despite a fragile ceasefire, the U.S. has engaged in military actions against Iranian targets, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

Residents at Lackland Air Force Base report overgrown weeds and an increase in snakes and scorpions in neighborhoods since early May. A three-man landscaping crew has begun addressing the issue, but significant overgrowth remains. The contractor responsible for landscaping has faced delays in transitioning, leading to frustrations among families living in enlisted housing areas. Conditions are notably better in officer housing.

The American Federation of Government Employees urged House lawmakers to block the Defense Department from enforcing Trump's executive order that limits collective bargaining rights for federal workers. This order, signed in March 2025, has faced legal challenges and was previously included in a bipartisan proposal for the National Defense Authorization Act, which was ultimately stripped by the Senate. The AFGE contends that the order undermines national security and exceeds the intended scope of the Civil Service Reform Act.

The U.S. Coast Guard deployed 16 Saildrone Voyager unmanned surface vessels to the Great Lakes and North Atlantic in May 2023 to enhance maritime domain awareness and support border security operations. This initiative, stemming from a $15.5 million contract, aims to monitor suspicious activities and counter illegal fishing, with operations expected to continue through October 2023.

Sen. Mitch McConnell announced that a third reconciliation bill for defense funding is unlikely, casting doubt on the Pentagon's plans to secure $350 billion for its budget. Concerns were raised during a Senate hearing about the potential impacts on Air Force readiness and key investments if funding does not materialize. A supplemental funding bill may be necessary to address these issues as Congress approaches midterm elections.

Oshkosh Defense is competing to supply Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) to the Marine Corps to address readiness gaps caused by delays in AM General's deliveries. The Marine Corps is evaluating options for a second supplier, as AM General remains the sole provider of JLTVs. Oshkosh claims it can deliver vehicles faster due to its active production line and plans for foreign military sales.

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has increased funding for BlackSky Technologies to accelerate the development of new wide-area imagery satellites optimized for AI-driven target detection. This funding modification, amounting to over $150 million, aims to support the launch of the AROS satellites by 2028. The new satellites will enhance intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities by providing real-time strategic insights.

The U.S. Navy is set to deploy an unmanned surface vessel alongside the Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group. Concurrently, U.S. Marines have officially retired the Harrier aircraft, marking the end of an era for this significant piece of military aviation.

Three National Guardsmen detained Army veteran Anna King in Washington, D.C. on May 8 after recognizing her as a suspect from a previous assault. The incident, captured on video, shows King being restrained while she protested. King faces charges for allegedly assaulting the Guardsmen during her detention, and her attorney argues that the Guardsmen entered private property without a warrant.