Analysis & Reports

USS Gerald R. Ford returned to Norfolk Naval Base on May 16 after a record 326-day deployment. The carrier participated in military operations against Venezuela and Iran, but faced operational fatigue and equipment failures, including a fire that injured three sailors. Following these incidents, the ship required repairs in Greece and Croatia.

The Ford Carrier Strike Group was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its significant role in the Iran War, conducting over 1,700 air sorties against Iranian targets from February 28 to May 1, 2026. The award ceremony took place in Norfolk, Virginia, led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This recognition highlights the group's sustained combat operations under constant threat from enemy forces, marking a notable achievement in the ongoing conflict.

Lockheed Martin secured a $61 million contract from the U.S. Army to develop upgrades for the Patriot air defense system, including a containerized missile launcher and a hemispherical guidance device. These enhancements aim to eliminate significant tactical limitations, allowing for better engagement of threats from all directions. The project is expected to be completed by May 31, 2027, and reflects lessons learned from recent combat experiences in Ukraine.

The U.S. Navy is set to retire its four Ohio-class SSGN submarines in the coming years, resulting in the loss of 616 Tomahawk cruise missiles. This retirement significantly reduces the Navy's missile launch capabilities, as no other submarine can match the firepower of the Ohio-class. The Virginia-class submarines, while capable, cannot fully compensate for this loss, creating a gap in the Navy's strike capacity.

General Dynamics Land Systems secured a $229.6 million contract to produce 50 Stryker Double V-Hull A1 armored vehicles for the U.S. Army on May 15, 2026. This contract supports the Army's Stryker Brigade Combat Teams, enhancing their operational capabilities with upgraded protection and reliability features. The vehicles are expected to be delivered by June 30, 2028, as part of a strategy to modernize the existing fleet.

The U.S. Army awarded Northrop Grumman a $325.5 million contract to develop the RangeHawk drone, designed for high-altitude, long-endurance data collection from hypersonic weapons tests. The project aims to enhance the testing capabilities for high-speed systems, with completion expected by May 14, 2031. $65.6 million was allocated at the time of the award.

Balikatan 2026 concluded in May 2026, involving 17,000 troops from the U.S., Japan, and other allies across the Philippines. Japan's first full-scale combat participation marked a historic shift, while the U.S. deployed the NMESIS system to enhance sea-denial capabilities. In response, China conducted naval and air patrols in the South China Sea, highlighting regional tensions.

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Lockheed Martin secured a $991 million contract to produce 432 electronic warfare upgrade kits for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. The contract, issued on May 15, 2026, will enhance the aircraft's electronic warfare capabilities and is expected to be completed by March 2032. The U.S. Air Force will receive 97 kits, while international customers will receive a total of 239 kits, highlighting the global significance of the F-35 program.

Ondas Holdings unveiled the Iron-Wave modular ground robotic system, designed to enhance military and security operations by integrating multiple unmanned platforms under centralized control. This system aims to reduce the operator burden and improve operational flexibility in contested environments. It features advanced capabilities, including counter-drone technology, to address emerging threats in modern warfare.

HII delivered two ROMULUS-25 autonomous vessels to the U.S. Marine Corps in December 2025 after successful sea testing. These 27-foot high-speed interceptors are designed for expeditionary operations, capable of carrying 1,000 pounds and reaching 1,000 nautical miles. The vessels utilize the Odyssey autonomy suite for advanced decision-making, aligning with the Marine Corps' operational concepts in contested littoral environments.

B.E. Meyers & Co. is set to unveil the VSLAP-V1 targeting laser system at SOF Week 2026 in Tampa, Florida, on May 18. This new high-power laser system, featuring DeathStar technology, is designed for special operations forces and enhances target illumination and communication capabilities. The device builds on the legacy of the IZLID systems used by U.S. military units for air-to-ground integration.

Russian Armed Forces control 85% of Lyman, with ongoing urban combat reported. The Western Group of Forces is conducting operations across a 350 km area and has shifted focus westward towards Kharkiv after securing Luhansk. This information was confirmed by the Russian Ministry of Defense on May 16, 2023.

The U.S. Navy's F-14 Tomcat, developed after the rejection of the F-111B, has gained renewed attention following the Senate's passage of the 'Maverick Act of 2026' to preserve surviving aircraft. This legislation aims to allow for potential commemorative flights of the F-14s, which were originally designed for fleet defense against Soviet bombers. The F-14 Tomcat, with 712 units built, entered service in the 1970s and was a significant advancement in naval aviation.

Anduril is set to deliver at least 3,000 Barracuda-500M cruise missiles to the U.S. Army starting in 2027, as part of a three-year procurement agreement. The missiles, designed for long-range strikes, will be produced at Anduril's new facility in Columbus, Ohio. U.S. Army officials stress the importance of developing low-cost munitions to adapt to modern warfare challenges.

The Lockheed YF-12A successfully fired a missile at a QB-47 target aircraft while traveling at Mach 3.2 and 75,000 feet during testing at Edwards Air Force Base in 1965. This aircraft was developed to intercept Soviet bombers using advanced radar and long-range missiles. Despite its capabilities, the operational variant, F-12B, was canceled due to changing military priorities.

The Lockheed YF-12A successfully fired a missile at a QB-47 target aircraft flying at 500 feet during a test at Edwards Air Force Base in 1965. The YF-12A, capable of Mach 3.2, was developed to intercept Soviet bombers using advanced radar and long-range missiles. Despite its capabilities, the operational variant was canceled due to changing military priorities.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the formation of a new panel to conduct an ongoing review of the military legal system at the Pentagon. This initiative, outlined in a memo dated May 8, 2023, aims to provide continuous assessments and recommendations to improve legal oversight and support for military operations. Concerns have been raised by military lawyers regarding the implications of this review on legal accountability and oversight within the armed forces.

The U.S. Air Force is revising its B-21 Raider procurement target, increasing it from 100 to potentially over 200 aircraft due to concerns about future military conflicts. This decision follows recent operations against Iran and growing recognition of the need for a larger stealth bomber fleet to address threats from adversaries like China. The revised target will be included in the FY2028 budget request, expected in spring 2027.

AIRO Group unveiled its new JC250 cargo and JX250 ISR VTOL drones in Detroit, featuring hybrid-electric propulsion and 'slowed rotor' technology. The drones are designed for military logistics and civilian use, with a first flight expected by the end of the year. They aim to provide flexible resupply capabilities in remote areas without charging infrastructure.

USS Gerald R. Ford is returning to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, after completing over 320 days at sea, marking the longest post-Vietnam deployment. The carrier operated in the Middle East supporting U.S. Central Command and faced challenges including a non-combat fire that injured sailors. Personnel from Carrier Air Wing 8 returned to their home stations earlier this week.