Analysis & Reports

House Democrats plan to investigate the effects of cuts to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) on federal cybersecurity and election security. Senate Democrats will examine whether intelligence agencies can provide findings that contradict the president without risking analysts' jobs. Rep. Bennie Thompson aims to scrutinize the Department of Homeland Security's actions against Americans and its immigration policies, while CISA's staffing cuts have raised concerns about its operational capabilities.

Rear Adm. Jonathan Rucker has been appointed to lead the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Maritime in Washington. He will oversee the Navy's surface ship acquisition efforts as part of a broader acquisition reform initiative. Rucker emphasized the need to deliver ships with speed and capability to maintain competitive advantage for U.S. forces.

House lawmakers are pressing the Air Force for clarification on the planned downsizing of the China Aerospace Studies Institute (CASI) by November 20, citing concerns that reduced resources could undermine U.S. understanding of China's aerospace strategy. The Air Force's decision to cut CASI's civilian workforce has raised alarms about the potential impact on national security, particularly regarding China's growing military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

Democratic candidates won significant congressional races in the 2026 midterm elections, leading to a shift in defense policy direction. Notably, Sen. Susan Collins lost her seat, impacting defense budget decisions. Rep. Rob Wittman's race remains undecided, which could affect leadership in the House Armed Services Committee. Democratic leaders are poised to take over key defense committees, indicating a potential reshuffling of defense priorities.

The US Navy maintains a fleet of 68-71 nuclear submarines, opting against the construction of diesel or AIP submarines due to their limitations in speed and endurance. Nuclear submarines can reach strategic locations like the South China Sea from San Diego in 12-15 days, providing a significant operational advantage. The choice reflects broader strategic, practical, and logistical considerations favoring nuclear power for global naval operations.

DARPA is launching the FLASH program to develop diverse military systems capable of resisting cyber attacks. The initiative, announced on November 3, 2026, seeks to create multiple versions of military systems that maintain the same operational capabilities while differing in design to prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited. Responses to the request for information are due by November 30, 2026, as DARPA aims to enhance the resilience of cyber-physical systems.

The U.S. Air Force is soliciting the defense industry for the development of the Extended Range Attack Munition (ERAM), a new cruise missile intended for Ukraine. The missile is designed to be a 500-pound class weapon with a range exceeding 250 nautical miles and is part of a broader initiative to expedite weapon production. The Air Force aims to have the first ERAMs delivered within three months of contract award, with a total of over 1,000 units planned.

Dan Driscoll joined OpenAI as a senior counselor for national security modernization in Washington. He will focus on leveraging AI to enhance national security and cybersecurity, advising senior leadership and external partners. Driscoll, a former Secretary of the Army, aims to promote the responsible use of AI in collaboration with U.S. allies.

Dan Driscoll has joined OpenAI as a senior counselor for national security modernization in Washington. He will focus on advising on the responsible use of AI to enhance national security and cybersecurity. Driscoll, a former Secretary of the Army, aims to help the U.S. and its allies leverage AI technology effectively.

Oshkosh Defense and Grid Aero announced a strategic partnership to develop autonomous modular payload aircraft technology in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This collaboration aims to meet the Department of War's urgent need for resilient aircraft solutions. The partnership will utilize Oshkosh's manufacturing capabilities to produce Lifter aircraft at scale, focusing on production engineering and customer engagement.

The U.S. is engaged in an ongoing conflict in Iran, which has lasted eight months and significantly impacted domestic politics, particularly through rising gas prices. President Trump has lifted sanctions on Russian diesel to address political fallout. The USS George Washington is deployed in the South China Sea, while the Democratic Party mobilizes against the administration's unauthorized military actions. This situation is likely to influence the upcoming midterm elections and the balance of power in Congress.

Saudi Arabia and the United States enhanced defense cooperation on November 2, 2026, amid escalating regional tensions. The discussions focused on operational integration and managing threats from the Gulf to the Red Sea. Saudi Arabia is diversifying its defense partnerships while relying on U.S. support for critical military capabilities, reflecting a complex balance between independence and reliance on American military infrastructure.

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James Mattis emphasized the necessity of collaboration in military leadership, stating that wise leadership requires teamwork to avoid failure. His career, spanning from his enlistment in 1969 to commanding forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, illustrates these principles. Mattis's experiences highlight the importance of trust and effective communication among military personnel, shaping his leadership philosophy.

Germany is analyzing its potential participation in the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), which includes Japan, the UK, and Italy. Japan is concerned that Germany's involvement could complicate the program and delay its operational target of 2035. Meanwhile, Canada has joined GCAP as an observer and is seeking future cooperation on combat aircraft technologies.

A coalition of 35 industry groups urged Congress on November 1 to renew the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, which provides legal protections for companies sharing cyber threat information. The current extension of the law is set to expire on December 11, and industry representatives warn that its lapse would increase legal risks for companies. Senators are also discussing additional provisions related to the renewal.

President Trump stated he is not in a hurry to decide on restarting military action against Iran during a phone interview on November 2, 2023. He indicated that while actions will be taken if necessary, ongoing dialogues with Iran are progressing well. Trump has threatened renewed military strikes if negotiations do not succeed, and the U.S. military is prepared for potential large-scale actions against Iran.

The Doha talks concluded without a breakthrough, with Iran's delegation leaving Qatar while stating that discussions on ending the war would continue. The US midterm elections on 3 November are seen as a critical decision point for future actions regarding Iran, with Israel's Prime Minister advocating for renewed strikes post-election. Gulf partners are reportedly preparing for potential military actions against Iran, reflecting heightened tensions in the region.

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Approximately 100 National Guard soldiers are deployed to monitor ballot drop boxes across seven counties in Washington State during the midterm elections. This initiative, termed an 'Election Neighborhood Watch' by Governor Bob Ferguson, aims to prevent tampering with the drop boxes following threats to election officials. The unarmed troops will coordinate with local authorities if issues arise, ensuring voter safety and election integrity.

The U.S. Army's unclear demand signal is hindering the production of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) by industry, according to NAMC CEO Warren Sponsler. He highlighted that companies are uncertain where to invest due to ambiguous mission objectives and stressed the importance of clearer communication from the Army. Sponsler noted that new organizations like AUTOWARCOM could help streamline autonomy efforts within the Army.

The Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital has agreed to lend Neros $450 million to expand drone production in Torrance, California. Neros will invest an additional $165 million, aiming to produce up to 1 million drones annually by 2028. The Archer attack drone, which complies with U.S. defense procurement law, is part of this initiative, with a significant contract to supply 6,000 drones to Ukraine by early 2025.