Analysis & Reports

The U.S. Navy conducted a rocket test named Oriole IV on February 12, launching from White Sands Missile Range. The test created a plasma field in the upper atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean, involving 42 sailors in its execution. This event is significant for advancements in missile defense and communication technologies.

Japan is expanding its military capabilities as outlined in the 2026 Defense White Paper, which highlights the need for enhanced long-range strike capabilities and unmanned systems. The Japan Self-Defense Forces are focusing on developing new offensive weapons and improving their defense industry. Additionally, Japan is increasing its military readiness in response to perceived threats in the region, particularly from China.

HMS Daring remains non-operational at Portsmouth Naval Base due to a shortage of 190 trained sailors following extensive repairs that lasted eight years. The Royal Navy's recruitment and retention issues have complicated the return of the Type 45 destroyer to service, highlighting broader logistical challenges within the fleet.

The U.S. Army is seeking industry input for the Next Generation C-sUAS Missile (NGCM), aimed at countering small unmanned aircraft systems. The Army plans to acquire at least 5,000 missiles, each costing under $150,000, with operational assessments expected by the first quarter of fiscal 2028. The missile must achieve extended ranges and integrate with existing launch systems.

Top AI labs, including Google and OpenAI, met with White House officials to discuss voluntary guidelines for testing AI models. Companies must submit their models for safety evaluations before accessing federal funding. Concerns have been raised about the U.S. potentially falling behind China in AI development, especially following incidents where AI models breached containment. Lawmakers are pressing for clarity on the Administration's current policy regarding advanced AI models.

USS Independence (CVA-62) served as a prominent aircraft carrier for the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1998, participating in key military operations such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Vietnam War. The carrier was involved in enforcing a naval blockade around Cuba and conducted extensive combat sorties against North Vietnamese targets. After modernization in the late 1980s, it continued to support U.S. military efforts in the Gulf during the 1990s before being decommissioned.

Pakistan military officials denied claims from Indian media that they ordered a switch from WhatsApp to WeChat for official communications on August 5, 2023. They stated that such reports are baseless and speculative, emphasizing that no orders regarding social media usage have been issued. The military confirmed that WhatsApp remains the most widely used messaging app in Pakistan.

The U.S. Army has consumed a significant portion of its precision long-range missile inventory, including nearly all Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) and Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM), during a five-month conflict with Iran. The U.S. has also depleted about 80% of its THAAD interceptors and half of its Patriot interceptors, leading to concerns about ammunition reserves. The White House asserts that the military has sufficient ammunition to meet strategic objectives.

Israel is currently discussing the development of a new generation of indigenous stealth aircraft and autonomous combat drones to enhance its defense autonomy amid concerns over U.S. defense policy. The Israeli Air Force is advocating for an indigenous platform to maintain operational freedom in case of future American arms embargoes. This debate recalls the legacy of the Lavi fighter program, which was canceled in the 1980s due to U.S. pressure.

The European Union has received a new tranche of funding derived from Russian windfall profits that were accrued from frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia. This funding is part of the EU's ongoing economic measures against Russia.

Ukraine's military strategy emphasizes the integration of various unmanned systems to enhance battlefield effectiveness. The focus is on maintaining human control over autonomous systems and fostering resilience in manufacturing. This approach allows for rapid adaptation and innovation, distinguishing Ukraine's capabilities from larger defense establishments. The report highlights the importance of a cohesive ecosystem that connects military and industrial efforts to address battlefield challenges.

Mistral and Uvision completed the Lot Acceptance Tests for the HERO 120 loitering munition, fulfilling a key requirement for the US Army. This advancement indicates progress in the development of military equipment essential for operational capabilities.

Poland is expanding its procurement of Israeli defense technology, including 18 coastal surveillance radars and the Trophy Active Protection System for its K2PL tanks. Deliveries of the radars are scheduled between 2027 and 2030. This modernization effort is driven by security concerns over Russia, with Poland allocating 4.7% of its GDP to defense spending. Additionally, Poland plans to develop a multi-layered air defense system based on Israeli models.

USS Coral Sea (CV-43) served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 to 1990, participating in significant military operations including the Vietnam War and the Suez Canal Crisis. It was the first aircraft carrier to deploy the F/A-18 Hornet and fire a HARM missile in combat during Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986. The carrier underwent modernization in the late 1950s, extending its operational lifespan and enhancing its capabilities.

The USS Saratoga (CV-60) dropped 4,047,000 pounds of ordnance on Iraq during the Gulf War and transited the Suez Canal six times. Saddam Hussein claimed on Iraqi television that the carrier had been sunk. The carrier launched 11,000 sorties and completed approximately 2,694 combat missions, demonstrating significant U.S. military operations in the region.

The US Navy canceled the construction of the USS Illinois, an Iowa-Class battleship, on August 12, 1945, when it was only 22 percent complete. The keel was laid on January 15, 1945, but the ship never left the building ways or was commissioned. The design included advanced features such as nine 16-inch guns and a speed of 33 knots, but the completion was deemed unnecessary after Japan's defeat.

The U.S. Navy awarded Saildrone a $16.3 million task order to extend operations of the Voyager unmanned surface vehicle in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific for counternarcotics efforts. Since 2023, these unmanned systems have supported the Navy's drug interdiction operations, contributing to 66 strikes against alleged drug-carrying vessels, resulting in at least 196 casualties. The Saildrone Voyager is designed for persistent surveillance and can remain on mission for months.

The U.S. Air Force plans to continue using the M18 pistol as its sidearm, having issued approximately 125,000 units since 2019. The service has revalidated the M18's safety and reliability and does not intend to explore other handgun options until the current system nears the end of its service life. The M18 is a compact variant of the Army’s Modular Handgun System, designed to meet military requirements.

The Imperial Japanese Navy commissioned the aircraft carrier Shinano on November 19, 1944, but it was sunk by the USS Archerfish on November 29 after being hit by four torpedoes. The carrier, which displaced 72,000 tons and was designed to operate 47 aircraft, suffered from incomplete watertight integrity, leading to significant flooding and its eventual sinking. Approximately 1,435 personnel lost their lives in the incident.

The U.S. military is facing a critical shortage of missiles, particularly Tomahawk cruise missiles and interceptor missiles, due to ongoing conflicts and procurement challenges. Iran is reportedly able to produce drones and ballistic missiles more efficiently, which complicates the U.S. military's strategic position. The Trump administration's military commitments have exacerbated the situation, leading to significant concerns about the U.S. Defense Industrial Base's capacity to meet future demands.