Analysis & Reports

Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force announced his retirement next month during the Global Air and Space Chiefs’ Conference in London. He urged support for the Space Force's budget amid congressional resistance to fully fund requested programs. The White House has requested $1.15 trillion for defense, with only $60 billion likely to be approved for Space Force initiatives, which include critical missile defense and space capabilities.

Jay Clayton, President Trump's nominee for director of national intelligence, faced intense questioning from the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee regarding his views on the 2020 election and election security. He emphasized that the ODNI should focus on foreign threats, while senators expressed concerns about the politicization of intelligence. Clayton's office also issued subpoenas to journalists, raising issues of press freedom and security.

Gen. Chance Saltzman emphasized the military's role as a stabilizing force for democracy during his farewell address in London. He highlighted the importance of alliances amid political divisions and discussed the integration of space power into military operations. Saltzman confirmed expectations for initial capabilities in airborne moving target indication by 2028 and announced Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess as his successor.

The report critiques U.S. air strategy, asserting that while high-altitude operations succeeded, low-altitude efforts around the Strait of Hormuz were inadequate. It challenges the concept of 'air littoral' as a misleading framework and emphasizes the necessity for integrated military campaigns across all domains. The analysis highlights the importance of addressing both advanced airpower and low-cost threats in future operations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new program for U.S. Armed Forces to screen troops aged 30 and older for testosterone deficiency, to be conducted annually as part of health assessments. Troops under 30 may also voluntarily participate. The initiative aims to ensure optimal health and operational readiness among service members, addressing concerns about declining testosterone levels with age. Lawmakers have shown interest in the military's protocols for managing low testosterone.

On the 15th of the month, Ukraine and the EU signed a drone agreement in Kyiv, enhancing defense cooperation. This agreement aims to leverage Ukraine's drone production capabilities, with a goal of increasing annual output to 20 million drones. Concurrently, Russia is reportedly upgrading its drone technology to counter these developments.

MBDA appointed Jean-Brice Dumont as its new CEO effective Nov. 1, 2023, succeeding Eric Béranger. The transition process will begin in October to ensure continuity. Under Béranger, MBDA nearly doubled its sales and order book, and European governments are urging the company to ramp up missile production in response to security challenges. Dumont, who has a strong background in aerospace and defense, aims to continue MBDA's transformation.

William Upham, a Marine veteran running for Congress in Florida, made threatening comments about President Trump in a video, calling him the 'antichrist' and stating he must be killed. The Marine Corps condemned Upham's statements, emphasizing they violate military values, and confirmed his medical discharge on May 30, 2025. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao also denounced Upham's remarks as unacceptable.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) resumed missile and drone attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. airstrikes against Iranian coastal targets. The U.S. Navy reinstated a blockade to protect maritime traffic, while discussions of potential ground operations against Iran are ongoing. The situation reflects the complexities of U.S. military strategy in the region and the implications of possible withdrawal.

The Space Development Agency is set to launch 21 Tranche 1 satellites aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Thursday. This launch follows a nine-month pause due to technical issues with earlier satellites. The satellites are part of a military communication network, and there are concerns about the agency's future as draft legislation proposes to dissolve it.

Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding is only valuable if national interests and security are upheld. Iran will fulfill its obligations only if the U.S. complies; otherwise, it will cease compliance and take countermeasures.

U.S. military operations in Iran have incurred costs estimated between $80 billion and $100 billion, far exceeding the previously reported $31 billion. The Department of Defense's internal assessments reveal significant expenses related to military actions and base reconstruction. Congress has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of transparency in military spending, prompting a request for an additional $68 billion budget.

A bill is set to be introduced to provide compensation to veterans involved in nuclear cleanup operations at Enewetak Atoll, Palomares, and Thule. The legislation aims to expand eligibility under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, addressing the health issues faced by these veterans. Less than 6,000 veterans are estimated to have participated in these operations, with many suffering from chronic diseases due to radiation exposure.

The U.S. Navy is struggling with its new warship programs, including the Littoral Combat Ship, Zumwalt destroyer, and Constellation frigate, all of which have failed to meet expectations. The Government Accountability Office has identified ongoing issues with the Navy's shipbuilding practices, indicating that new programs are likely to repeat past mistakes. Meanwhile, China's naval expansion continues to pose a significant challenge to U.S. maritime capabilities.

Five European defense firms signed a letter of intent in Paris to develop an exo-atmospheric interceptor system to counter the Oreshnik missile threat from Russia. The consortium aims to start engineering work in August 2026 and conduct a space test in 2027, addressing Europe's need for a sovereign upper-layer missile defense capability. This initiative reflects a shift in European defense strategy, acknowledging the limitations of current systems like Patriot batteries.

Alexandra ReevesWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

The Destinus consortium, comprising five European defense firms, is set to develop Europe's first exo-atmospheric interceptor, with a test planned for 2027. This initiative addresses Europe's current missile defense gap against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic threats. The project aims to enhance NATO's integrated air and missile defense capabilities, reflecting a shift in European defense procurement towards active war experience and sovereignty in defense systems.

Alexandra ReevesWed Jul 15 2026Loading...

House Republicans unveiled a $60 billion defense funding bill in Washington today, which falls short of the $67 billion requested by the White House. This proposal is part of a reconciliation process that allows the bill to pass on party lines, bypassing the Senate filibuster. The funding aims to cover various defense-related expenses, including munitions and operational costs.

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) announced a $536 million annual budget and five core themes for military technology development, effective July 1, 2025. The themes include Autonomy, Decision Advantage, Logistics and Support, Effects, and Protection, aimed at enhancing the UK's military capabilities. This initiative consolidates previous innovation bodies to streamline defense procurement and foster collaboration with the technology sector.

President Trump urged defense executives in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, to accelerate weapons production and expand manufacturing capacity amid strains on U.S. stockpiles from ongoing conflicts. The roundtable discussion highlighted the need for faster delivery of advanced weapons systems and the importance of strengthening the U.S. industrial base. The Pentagon is encouraging defense companies to invest in expanding factories to meet soaring demand for military equipment.

Twenty-five U.S. senators demanded the Pentagon release findings from an investigation into a deadly airstrike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran, on February 28, 2026. The strike reportedly killed around 120 children and raised concerns about outdated intelligence. The senators set a deadline of July 20 for the Pentagon to provide a complete report and a plan to prevent future civilian casualties.