Analysis & Reports

AimLock and FN America unveiled the Dune counter-drone weapon system at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa on May 19, 2026. The system combines AI targeting technology with the FN DEFNDER MEDIUM remote weapon station to automatically engage small drones. It can be mounted on existing vehicles, enhancing their capabilities without requiring new hardware. The Dune system was demonstrated on a BC Customs SXV XL 6×6 vehicle.

The Air Force has received 18 OA-1K Skyraider II aircraft designed for special operations, with more expected by October 2025. AFSOC is training pilots and conducting tests for rapid deployment capabilities. The aircraft can perform armed reconnaissance, close air support, and precision strikes, and may be equipped with advanced weaponry in the future.

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.

On May 17, two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft from the VAQ-129 Squadron collided mid-air during an airshow in Idaho, resulting in the emergency ejection of four crew members. The incident was caused by a failure in maintaining proper formation, leading to visibility issues between the aircraft. The pilots involved were flight instructors, raising questions about the training standards.

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 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. Air Force's 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base has declared its MQ-9 Reaper drones operational with the GBU-39B glide bomb as of Spring 2023. This new capability allows the drones to engage targets from 60 miles away, significantly enhancing their operational effectiveness while minimizing exposure to ground-based air defenses. The integration involved the development of a new carriage system to accommodate the glide bombs.

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.

The U.S. State Department approved a $236 million sale of AGM-184 Joint Strike Missiles to Belgium on May 18, 2025, allowing Belgium to enhance its F-35A fighter jets with advanced strike capabilities. This acquisition represents a significant upgrade in Belgium's military capabilities, marking its first purchase of cruise missiles. Defence Minister Theo Francken emphasized the strategic importance of this development for national deterrence and operational autonomy.

The U.S. Air Force awarded a $40 million contract to World Wide Technology to establish an AI-powered Security Operations Center in San Antonio, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity by automating threat detection. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the Air Force's digital defenses against increasing cyber threats, particularly from adversaries like China. The contract will run through May 2031 and reflects a significant investment in AI and machine learning for military applications.

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.

Two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler aircraft collided and crashed during an airshow at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho on October 17, 2023. Four crew members successfully ejected before the crash. The incident resulted in an estimated loss of over $200 million for the U.S. Navy, highlighting the aircraft's critical role in electronic warfare operations.

President Trump announced a postponement of a planned military strike against Iran, originally set for May 19, at the request of Gulf allies including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. He cited positive progress in negotiations with Iran as the reason for the delay, which could last two to three days. Trump emphasized the U.S. military's readiness for a large-scale attack if satisfactory agreements are not reached.

U.S. President Trump announced a delay in military action against Iran, originally scheduled for May 19, at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. This decision was communicated via social media on May 18 from Washington, D.C.

Dan Richard, a CIA official, emphasized the urgent need for federal agencies to address the cybersecurity threats posed by advanced AI models like Mythos during a panel in Tysons Corner, Virginia. He noted that these tools could lower the barrier for hackers, necessitating stronger public-private partnerships to protect critical infrastructure. The rapid development of AI technologies is challenging existing cybersecurity protocols, requiring a shift from reactive to proactive risk management.

CIA official Dan Richard highlighted the need for federal agencies to reassess their security strategies in light of advanced AI models like Mythos and GPT-5.5 during a conference in Tysons Corner, Virginia. He emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to address the challenges posed by these technologies. Richard compared the current situation to Ukraine's preparedness against Russian cyber threats, advocating for collaboration between government and private sectors to enhance national security.

All four U.S. Navy aircrew members ejected safely from their E/A-18G Growlers after a midair collision during a demonstration flight over Mountain Home, Idaho, on Sunday. The incident resulted in a fiery crash of the jets, but all crew members landed safely under parachutes, with one sustaining a non-life-threatening injury. Retired pilots described the successful ejections as extraordinary and miraculous, highlighting the challenges faced during the incident.

The 10th Special Forces Group participated in Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) prototyping experiments at Fort Carson and Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site, focusing on enhancing integration with the 4th Infantry Division. These efforts culminated in the Ivy Mass exercise, aimed at improving operational capabilities in contested environments. The collaboration is expected to significantly impact how special operations forces and conventional units operate together.

U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is prioritizing the rapid integration of new technologies for special operations forces during the SOF Week exhibition in Tampa. David Breede, SOCOM's deputy director for acquisition, highlighted the importance of autonomous technologies that can communicate effectively. SOCOM aims to balance speed with the careful development of capabilities, avoiding large-scale projects like aircraft carriers.