Analysis & Reports

U.S. military conducted Operation Epic Fury against Iran, firing hundreds of cruise missiles and expending over 5,000 munitions in the first four weeks. The operation revealed significant stress on the U.S. defense industrial base, with munitions consumption far exceeding production capacity. The estimated cost of the operation reached $900 million per day, highlighting the urgent need for improved logistics and production capabilities.

The F-35 Joint Program Office is modifying the In-Line File Encryption Device software to incorporate quantum-resistant algorithms, as announced in a presolicitation notice on May 6, 2026. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics will be awarded a sole source contract for this modification, which is crucial for maintaining the aircraft's cryptographic integrity against potential quantum computing threats. The update must be deployable in the field without requiring hardware returns, highlighting significant logistical considerations.

Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, particularly targeting the Tuapse refinery in Krasnodar, from April to May 2023. This campaign aims to disrupt Russian oil revenue amidst rising global prices linked to the Iran war. Ukrainian drone operations have expanded, hitting multiple facilities, while Russian forces continue their own offensive operations against Ukraine.

Kongsberg Maritime secured a contract to supply its Promas propulsion system for four ships in the U.S. Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter program on May 6, 2026. This program aims to enhance maritime capabilities with up to 25 new vessels, replacing older cutters. The new ships will feature advanced propulsion technology to improve efficiency and operational range.

The U.S. Army plans to field Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) capabilities to all 11 divisions within a five-year window, as stated by Brig. Gen. Shane Taylor in Washington. Prototyping is currently being conducted with the 4th and 25th Infantry Divisions, and the Army aims to begin delivering equipment formations next year. A continuous delivery model will be implemented following the prototype phase.

ThinKom Solutions won the U.S. Space Force's 'Fight Tonight' competition on May 6, 2026, for its Containerized Digital Array, a mobile satellite ground station designed to enhance military communications. This system replaces traditional fixed dish antennas, addressing vulnerabilities by being transportable and concealing its antenna modules. It supports various satellite networks and is customizable for different mission requirements.

Raytheon secured a 120-unit order for its SharpSight surveillance radar from Blue Raven, marking its largest single order to date. This partnership aims to enhance global distribution and accessibility of the radar, which is designed for diverse military applications. The move indicates a growing demand for advanced surveillance capabilities and a shift towards bulk production to reduce lead times for international customers.

RENK Group AG reported a record order intake of approximately $657 million in the first quarter of 2026, driven by strong demand for military vehicle components. The Vehicle Mobility Solutions segment contributed significantly, with a 20.5% increase in orders. Notably, RENK secured a $177 million contract for a NATO main battle tank, reinforcing its position in the defense sector. The company also announced advancements in unmanned systems for military applications, indicating a strategic shift in European defense spending.

On May 3, 2026, Ukraine executed a significant drone offensive against Russian targets, including oil infrastructure in Primorsk. In response, Russia launched a counter-offensive with drones and missiles. The conflict has intensified, with both sides engaging in unprecedented aerial exchanges, while Ukraine's strikes aim to degrade Russia's economic capacity. Diplomatic tensions escalated with Russia proposing a ceasefire, which Ukraine dismissed, leading to further military actions.

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Kongsberg Maritime secured a contract to supply its Promas propulsion system for four U.S. Coast Guard OPC Heritage Class vessels on 6 May 2026. This contract includes additional equipment such as steering gear and rudders, enhancing the vessels' operational capabilities. The new ships will replace medium endurance cutters and are designed for long-range patrols.

NATO forces completed the Eastern Phoenix 26 counter-drone exercise in Romania, integrating over 215 systems. Concurrently, U.S. and UK troops participated in Project FlyTrap 5.0 in Lithuania, testing counter-UAS capabilities. The EU's Defence Readiness Roadmap 2030 is now in its first implementation year, while the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership is advancing operational cooperation.

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The U.S. Navy plans to retire 14 vessels, including 3 nuclear submarines and 2 cruisers, by the end of fiscal year 2026, marking a significant reduction in fleet size. This will result in the smallest Navy since World War I, as the service transitions from older classes of ships to newer models. The retirement includes various support vessels and littoral combat ships facing operational challenges.

The Pentagon is focusing on increasing production capacity for 14 key munitions as part of its Fiscal Year 2027 budget. This includes both mature weapons systems and new technologies to meet operational demands. The budget request for missile procurement has risen to $70.5 billion, reflecting a significant investment in defense capabilities. Contracts have been established with various companies to support this initiative.

ARX Robotics announced in May 2026 that it is expanding its fleet in Ukraine to five times its initial size by supplying several hundred additional GEREON uncrewed ground vehicles. This expansion supports Ukraine's plan to procure 25,000 new ground robots in the first half of 2026, focusing on logistics and operational support for its Defense Forces. The GEREON vehicles are designed for various missions, including casualty evacuation and resupply, enhancing the operational capabilities of Ukrainian forces.

38 Sierra launched a new training program called Drone Incident Response Training (DIRT) in Barboursville, Virginia, on May 5, 2026. The program aims to enhance the response of security personnel to grounded drone threats, addressing operational gaps in current training. DIRT focuses on hazard recognition, risk assessment, and safe response procedures for various environments, including military and law enforcement settings.

In April 2026, Russian forces lost approximately 116 square kilometers of territory, marking a significant setback. Ukrainian unmanned aerial systems conducted deep strikes on the Shagol airfield, damaging multiple Russian aircraft. Concurrently, Ukraine intensified its campaign against Russian oil infrastructure, striking the Tuapse refinery multiple times. President Zelensky announced a reform of Ukraine's armed forces, set to begin in June 2026, aimed at improving military effectiveness.

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Norwegian officials confirmed receipt of a notification from the U.S. regarding delays in the delivery of weapons ordered by Norway. This delay is attributed to the significant consumption of U.S. military stockpiles due to ongoing military operations in Iran, with estimates indicating that several missile types have lost about half of their inventory. The replenishment of these stocks is expected to take years.

USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) completed its Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) and returned to service on April 24, 2026, after 15 months of maintenance. The carrier is now operational and ready to support U.S. military operations, particularly in the Middle East. This return is significant for the U.S. Navy, which has faced delays in carrier readiness.

The U.S. Navy inactivated the USS Boise on April 10, 2023, due to cost-effectiveness concerns and ongoing maintenance delays. This decision reflects a broader issue within the Navy, as it struggles to maintain its submarine fleet amidst increasing demand for undersea capabilities. The Navy's reliance on aging Los Angeles-class submarines is diminishing, while production of Virginia-class replacements has not met expectations, exacerbating the shortfall in operational submarines.

China maintains a military presence of 5,000 to 10,000 troops across 27 outposts in the South China Sea, primarily at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef. These bases support aviation units, missile systems, and ISR operations, extending China's military reach over 800 miles from the mainland. The ongoing construction of Antelope Reef indicates further expansion of military capabilities in the region.