Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Army plans to order 11,000 Next Generation Short Range Interceptor missiles to replace the Stinger, starting in Fiscal Year 2028. This initiative is part of the Maneuver Short Range Air Defense program, aimed at improving mobile air defenses against various aerial threats. The NGSRI will feature enhanced speed and capabilities, and will be compatible with existing launch systems.

The U.S. Army standardized the Mortars App, a new smartphone-based fire control application for all mortar units, replacing outdated systems. Developed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, the app was fully released in March 2026 and is designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of mortar fire control operations. It consolidates previous software into a single, user-friendly application that runs on Android devices, improving logistics and training for soldiers.

The U.S. Air Force is seeking external storage pods for the OA-1K Skyraider II to enhance its operational capability. The 17th Special Operations Squadron, based at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base in Oklahoma, requires these pods to carry mission equipment during training missions. The aircraft, which has limited internal storage, is expected to achieve initial operational capability in 2026.

The U.S. Army awarded a $77.9 million contract modification to Repkon USA to build a TNT production facility in Graham, Kentucky, marking the first domestic production since the 1980s. The total contract value is now $404 million, with completion expected by February 15, 2029. This initiative aims to enhance the U.S. supply chain for munitions, addressing vulnerabilities exposed during recent conflicts.

WB GROUP and Hexagon signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Ottawa to integrate advanced navigation technologies into WB GROUP's unmanned aerial platforms. This agreement marks WB GROUP's first formal step into the Canadian defense market, aiming to enhance the operational capabilities of unmanned systems in jamming-heavy conditions. The partnership will also pursue opportunities in global markets, reflecting a commitment to Polish-Canadian defense cooperation.

Fincantieri's WASS Submarine Systems and Magellan Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Ottawa on June 4, 2026, to enhance Canada's underwater defense capabilities. The agreement focuses on industrial cooperation in heavyweight torpedoes and countermeasures, aiming to strengthen local industrial participation and support sustainable defense capabilities in Canada.

A Blue Origin rocket exploded on a Florida launch pad in May 2023, highlighting vulnerabilities in U.S. military launch capabilities. Following the incident, SpaceX successfully launched a military payload, reinforcing its dominance in the sector. The U.S. Congress is concerned about the limited number of launch providers and is seeking ways to enhance competition and capacity for future military missions.

House Republicans voted to remove a provision from the defense policy bill that would have restricted military lawyers from serving in civilian roles, such as immigration judges. The amendment, proposed by Rep. Jason Crow, was defeated in a 31-26 vote during the House Armed Services Committee's markup. This decision has raised concerns about the implications for military legal personnel and their focus on military-related duties.

The U.S. Army has initiated 'Operation Resolute Justice' to execute military prisoners on death row, pending approval from President Donald Trump. The plan involves transporting inmates from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to Terre Haute, Indiana, and includes establishing a viewing station for witnesses. Currently, four former soldiers are on death row, with the last military execution taking place in 1961.

U.S. Cyber Command established the Cyber Warfare Innovation Center (CWIC) in Baltimore to enhance collaboration between military operators and industry developers. The CWIC aims to accelerate the development of cyber capabilities and tactics, addressing the transition of prototypes to operational use. This initiative is part of the CYBERCOM 2.0 plan to improve cyber force generation and create a faster feedback loop for military operations.

Republicans defeated an amendment to eliminate $1 billion in funding for the Trump-class battleship during a House Armed Services Committee markup in Washington. The amendment, proposed by Rep. Adam Smith, aimed to redirect funds towards autonomous drone ships but was rejected in a 26-30 vote. The ongoing debate on the fiscal 2027 defense policy bill includes discussions on the necessity of the battleship and its implications for future military capabilities.

Northrop Grumman is actively marketing its G/ATOR radar system, having delivered over 40 units to the U.S. Marine Corps and Air Force, with a total of 60 systems contracted for delivery by 2029. The G/ATOR radar integrates multiple air defense functions into a single mobile platform, enhancing operational efficiency and survivability. Its advanced capabilities include tracking multiple targets and countering drone threats, making it appealing to international buyers, particularly NATO members and Indo-Pacific partners.

Oshkosh Defense received $142 million in orders for its Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) A2 platform from customers in the United States and overseas.

The People's Liberation Army Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier conducted 170 deck cycles over three days from May 26 to 28, 2026, in the Western Pacific, south of Japan. The carrier group included five vessels, demonstrating operational capabilities and rehearsing for potential future military engagements. This activity complicates US and allied operations in the region, indicating a shift in the PLAN's operational comfort.

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The Defense Cyber Defense Command (DCDC) is developing a framework to respond to cyberattacks on critical infrastructure in Baltimore. This initiative includes creating 'digital green zones' to identify and secure critical data. The DCDC, elevated to a sub-unified command under US Cyber Command in May 2025, aims to establish clear command and control lines for cyber defense, especially in light of threats from Chinese hackers targeting U.S. infrastructure.

Elbit Systems of America and Anduril Industries announced a partnership on June 2 to develop the SIGMA Mobile Tactical Cannon for the U.S. Army’s Self-Propelled Howitzer Modernization program. This collaboration combines Elbit's artillery expertise with Anduril's advanced software capabilities, aiming to improve the Army's artillery systems. The SIGMA system is based on the ATMOS 155 mm howitzer and will utilize a 10×10 wheeled chassis provided by Oshkosh Defense.

The U.S. Navy is preparing to deploy the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt with the Seahawk unmanned surface vessel, marking a significant operational milestone. This deployment is expected to influence the Navy's approach to integrating unmanned systems into its fleet operations. Experts highlight that the Seahawk will support various missions, including anti-submarine warfare and maritime domain awareness, as the Navy refines its concept of operations for unmanned vessels.

The U.S. Army awarded a $67.9 million contract to Griffon Aerospace for the procurement of Outlaw Gen 3 drones to enhance air defense training capabilities. This decision supports Operation Epic Fury, targeting Iranian military infrastructure, and aims to address capability gaps identified during the operation. The drones are expected to be delivered by March 30, 2027, reflecting an accelerated procurement process in response to urgent military needs.

The U.S. Army awarded a $117 million contract to AeroVironment on June 3, 2026, for the delivery of 82 P550 unmanned aircraft systems. This procurement aims to enhance reconnaissance and targeting capabilities for ground commanders, with an estimated delivery completion by July 23, 2026. The P550 drones are designed for rapid deployment in various terrains, offering significant operational flexibility.

L3Harris Technologies successfully tested a ramjet propulsion system for U.S. Army missiles on June 3, 2026, in Orange County, Virginia. The test validated a critical transition in propulsion technology, enabling missile ranges to exceed 500 km. This system is compatible with existing launchers, such as HIMARS and M270, allowing for rapid deployment without new logistics or training requirements.